Happy Birthday to You My Son

It is not something new for me to stay out of home for one night or more. In fact, I spend full seven years out of home but the different thing for today is the birthday of my sweet son Haidar. Today, my sweet baby finished his first year.

I remember the first day he was born, I was at work and my former boss Nancy was really mad at me because I was at work. She tried hard to convince me to go back home. I hardly could convince here that I would do nothing if I were there because at that time, I was really afraid of touching my son and if I did so, my mother would really get mad and she would say angrily “don’t touch the infant Laith, you don’t know how to hold him, you hurt him laith”.

So, it took me about two hours to persuade her. For about a week, everything was so normal. After that, I told Nancy that I want to leave early and when she asked me why, I said “frankly, I miss my sweet baby”. There was a real lovely smile on her face and she said “ok but stay for a while and she went to her room quickly and came back with a small box and said this is your present for your son.” It was a very nice piece of gold. Days passed quickly and my son became the only real smile of my life.

When I came to the office today morning, I checked my personal e-mail and I found the first congratulating letter from an American friend. I was so happy with the letter but my happiness shrank when I remembered that I have to spend the night here because its my turn to do the late jobs.

I wish the security situation is as normal as it is in any other Arabic country, I would take my wife and my sweet son to one of the restaurants to celebrate this happy day and I would hug him as much as I miss him this moment

Happy birthday my sweet angel. Happy birthday my only happiness and sorry son because your dad is too busy with counting the dead bodies rather than celebrating life but remember one thing please, I do everything to make you happy because you always make me the happiest man on earth when you receive me with your lovely smile when I go back home.

Comments

[David]

Your blog has shown to me that there is humanity in what many people usually mistake as a living hell. Be safe, be happy, and thank you for sharing your love for your son with us.

[walter]

Laith: This is a great story. I wish you the best on your future endeavours. May Allah give you the wisdom to persevere and endure these horrendous and trying times in Iraq. Freedom will prevail with the efforts of those who understand what freedom truly entails. Stay strong and NEVER, NEVER, NEVER quit on your quest to uphold freedom for your family and your loved ones. God Bless and Peace be upon you and your loved ones. Remember, Jesus Christ lives to sets us free!

[Nancy Youssef]

Laith: I smiled again as I remembered those first days after Haider was born. I can't believe it's already been a year. Congratulations! It is my heartfelt hope that life in Iraq will be better by the time Haider is celebrating his son's first birthday. He is a gitt to all of us, as are you. I miss you terribly and think about you both often. xoxo Nancy

[ljm]

Happy first birthday, Haidar, your daddy will be home tomorrow. You have so much to do between now and when you reach your next birthday. You will become a toddler:)

[Laura]

Dear Laith--I live, work and breathe for the day when you and your colleagues will have no reason to stay late to write up death reports. For the day when you will have no reason to fear leaving your home to enjoy a family night out. And for a world in which your son, where all our children, all of us, can grow and thive.

Peace be upon you and your family, and many happy returns of this beautiful day.

with love,

Laura