My Son,
I want to share with you a poignant letter jailed Al Jazeera journalist Baher Mohammed wrote to his son from his prison cell on the day his son was born. The reason I share this with you is because I think there are valuable life lessons to be gleaned from it.
The letter is a mix of sadness and hopes for the child’s future, as well as some valuable wisdom for his two other children. Below is the emotional letter that he wrote to his unborn child and other children. Baher begins the letter by sharing his hopes that there are better days ahead for Egypt:
“Sorry because you were born where free people are behind bars, including your father. Sorry too because you have come to a society where its freedom’s restricted. But I promise you I will always fight for liberty. I don’t want you to give up on this society… because I am sure that soon everything will change for the better.”
He goes on to share his life lessons to his children:
My dear children, there are things I learnt and I want to share with you. I was always fighting for the truth in my career and that was not easy. Whatever it takes, keep looking for the truth and never be afraid of it. I want you all to maintain your dignity. It is one of your most precious values. Always be patient because you will face lots of obstacles in your path. Always be good to all, even to those who treat you badly. Feel the pain of the others and keep trying to help them. If you feel you can help and make someone happy, never hesitate. If you can draw a smile on someone’s face… then take the action to draw this smile. My dear children… keep smiling because behind the clouds the sun always shines.”
Yes, my son, keep smiling, because behind the clouds the sun always shines.
Cheers.