Tonight (30.10.2010) at 7.38 pm a soldier was born and we named him Maxwell. I have tattooed tears of joy as I am writing this and needless to say Jeci Chao and myself are both overwhelmed with happiness. I’m still pretty much out of words but this is a small ode to my newly born son.

My son, as you set sails to the journey of life, hope the journey is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery. Laistrygonians and Cyclops, angry Poseidon- don’t be afraid of them: you’ll never find things like that on your way as long as you keep your thoughts raised high, as long as a rare excitement stirs your spirit and your body!

Hope the journey is a long one. May there be many a summer morning when, with what pleasure, what joy, you come into harbors seen for the first time; may you stop at Phoenician trading stations to buy fine things, mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony, sensual perfume of every kind- as many sensual perfumes as you can; and may you visit many Egyptian cities to gather stores of knowledge from their scholars.

Life’s journey is just starting for you my son. Your mother and I will make sure your every step will be a meaningful one and believe me when I say this, your journey will be a prosperous one.