By
Dear Muqeet Tiwalade (Uhuru),
As the clock marks another year in your remarkable journey, I find myself reflecting on the unique milestones that make up your life—one of which is the removal of a tooth. This stubborn little companion, a black menace that held on for so long, has finally bid farewell. What a symbolic moment, reminding us that change, though inevitable, often paves the way for growth and new opportunities.
Dear Son, two years have passed since I last shared my “life lessons” with you, and in that time, the world has evolved in chaos and innovation—science, artificial intelligence, and the redefinition of long-held human values. These changes, often cloaked in the guise of freedom, demand our vigilance and wisdom.
Life, my dear Tiwalade, is filled with surprises—some delightful, others less so. The Latin phrase nolens volens (“willy-nilly”) captures this truth perfectly. There will be times when events unfold against our wishes, yet we must rise to meet them. The world today, and the generations before you, are riddled with actions that may lead to destruction, wrapped in vanity and fleeting desires. I urge you to insulate yourself from these distractions as you grow, to walk a path of integrity, and to stand firm in your values.
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As we bid farewell to your black milky tooth, I ponder what set this particular tooth apart, yet I am optimistic about what lies ahead for you. This small event is more than just a physical change; it’s a metaphor for life’s transitions. It’s a reminder that letting go of the old is necessary to embrace the new.
In this moment, I encourage you to trust your instincts, seek understanding, and face life’s challenges with courage. Life, much like the 3Hs of the English language—homophones, homographs, and homonyms—can often be confusing. Words may sound the same yet mean different things; they may look the same but hold distinct interpretations. Understanding these nuances, both in language and life, is essential for your growth.
As you turn seven, a magical age of curiosity and discovery, I implore you to ask questions. A wise man is known by the questions he asks, and cleverness is measured by the quality of his answers. Question everything: the universe, your actions, human behavior, love, hatred, war, and even societal constructs like race. Ask why a pink-skinned person is called white, and why a brown-skinned person is labeled black or colored. Seek to understand what truly defines us as humans in a world of infinite variations.
Son, life begins not at 16, 18, or 40 as some believe, but at the moment we start asking meaningful questions and seeking genuine answers. This is the age of enlightenment, the time when curiosity sparks growth. Your current age, and every age moving forward, will be delicate and formative. The lessons you learn now will shape your character and become the memories you carry into adulthood.
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Learning, dear Muqeet, does not come easily; it demands effort and sacrifice. Planned learning may seem tedious, requiring you to forgo immediate pleasures, while learning by experience requires engagement with everyday life. However, the most impactful lessons often come from failure. Failure is a cruel but effective teacher. Embrace it, and let it guide you to redefine yourself and grow stronger.
As the learned poet E.J. Pratt once said, “The mark of the educated man is not in his boast that he has built his mountain of facts and stood on the top of it, but in his admission that there may be other peaks in the same range with men on the top of them, and that, though their views of the landscape may be different from his, they are nonetheless legitimate.” Seek understanding before action, trust your instincts, and never shy away from danger out of fear—but also never seek danger for its own sake.
Listen to your mother, son; her love is boundless. Cherish your father, for his guidance, even when stern, is always purposeful. And remember, “practice makes progress.” Perfection is an illusion, but consistent effort will make you a better version of yourself.
As you celebrate your seventh birthday, I pray this year is filled with discovery, growth, and the wisdom to appreciate the beauty of humble beginnings.
Happy 7th Birthday, Muqeet Tiwalade Mojeed-Sanni—our Black Tooth 🦷 General with the best smile, the best frown, and the best heart. Mo cute.
With love and anticipation,
Sulaimon Mojeed-Sanni
Be safe. SM-S
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