Dear Children,

Son, last Saturday at the park in Taipei, I saw you from afar as you walked up to the boy who had kicked your sister’s head with his foot. You asked him to admit what he had done and apologize to your sister. Even though his father was standing right beside him, you confidently expressed your thoughts, neither overbearing nor timid. In that moment, I felt so proud and gratified, because you are steadily growing into a courageous and independent young man.

My eldest daughter, later that day, we went to explore the aquarium street together, visiting one store after another. Your brother was particularly excited, and his eyes lit up when he saw two unique fish. Unfortunately, his pocket money account had already run dry. After a short discussion with your younger sister, you decided to use your own pocket money to help him buy the fish as a gift. I believe you must have been grateful for how he stood up to protect you earlier at the park. Watching your brother happily carrying the water-filled bag with the fish, I’m sure you felt genuine joy as well.

I couldn’t help but reflect that day—I saw in both of you the courage and warmth I had often suppressed within myself. On one hand, I am deeply comforted by the strength and health of your personalities. On the other hand, I feel a sense of relief from the guilt I had carried for years. I used to worry that my divorce might bring you the kind of negative impact I never wanted to see. Yet, over the past couple of years, I’ve witnessed you becoming increasingly grounded, growing stronger from the inside out. Writing this now, my eyes are a bit misty, because I feel that all the pressure I endured in the past was worth it.

My tendency to suppress emotions is deeply connected to my own upbringing. You might have noticed that when I interact with you, I often initiate hugs and offer words of encouragement, sometimes to the point of seeming overly sentimental. In truth, this is my way of compensating through you for the affection I once longed for. But ultimately, this is something I must process and resolve on my own. The silver lining is that I now draw strength and a sense of purpose from you to keep moving forward.

Your actions also reminded me that the source of this courage and love lies within me. That day, your behavior proved to me that I am, at my core, a man of courage and love. Understanding this has helped many of my doubts and fears fade away. Thank you, my beloved children.

With all my love,

Your Dad