You are a grownup by now. I wish you all the best for your nineteenth birthday, but I will not write to you personally. This is an open letter of sorts, for I have not heard from you for a few years already. You have failed to respond to so many personal letters that I have given up in the end. It is up to you now. Although your birthday weighs heavily upon me, I am ready to continue like this. Incommunicado. Parents and children often fail to understand each other, and there is hardly anything that can be done about it. As for the future, it is up to you. And only you. Whenever you decide to resume communicating with me, I will be there for you. And that is my birthday gift for all to see. Enjoy!

Addendum (February 20, 2015)

I found an electronic-mail message from Maya yesterday morning. She addressed me as “Ranko” rather than “father.” “Didn’t hear from you on my birthday,” she started. “Wanted to make sure you’re all right.” She signed herself as “Maya. “ I responded at once. “My dear daughter,” I started, “it’s wonderful to hear from you.” But then I reminded her of this open letter and added the link to this page. I was quite sure she had seen it already, though, for Google Analytics tells me quite a bit about visitors to my blog, if that is what it is. “It would be wonderful if you would drop me a line from time to time,” I continued. “As for me,” I concluded, “you can always see how I’m doing from my blog.” After a few more warm words, I completed the response with the usual phrase: “daddy loves you very much.” I was eager to find another message from Maya this morning, but I found nothing. Zilch. Now I wonder if she is all right.