Читать книгу We’re Pregnant and I Can’t Speak Japanese - William Hay - Страница 3

9 May 2007

Dear Nicholas,

I just got home from the hospital after a long day waiting for you to arrive. I’ve called Irene with the news that you were born. You don’t know Irene yet, or Michael, Peta or Scottie, or anything about the half of you that comes from 8,000 kilometres away. Don’t worry, when you’re old enough to travel, possibly this Christmas or next, we’ll take you to Sydney to meet your family.

You’re quite a mix, a wonderful mix for that matter. Of course, you are Japanese on your mother’s side and have grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins you will get to know very well. My side gives you a real uniqueness. Your grandfather, Poppy Jocky, was from Scotland, and your grandmother, Nanny, was Japanese just like your mum. Unfortunately, you won’t get a chance to meet them, because they’re in heaven now. Well, Nanny… I’m not sure about Poppy Jocky. He might have gone to that other place.

I was born and raised in Australia, a first-generation Australian, but I’m as Australian as anyone else with an Australian passport, no matter how far back they can trace their ancestries. I had such a great childhood and upbringing that I hope you will somehow find an attachment to that part of you that is Australian.

I’m sitting at my computer putting the finishing touches to this; my diary, log, notes, my tangle of thoughts and experiences of what your life was like before you actually came into ours today. I borrowed some ideas from my parents, which I think have made me a better person, so I hope you will take notice of them.

It’s hard for me to comprehend the incredible change you will bring to our lives. I know for however long we are together it’s going to be a wonderful journey into the future. I think I’m ready for this. I know I am going to make mistakes as your father and I know there will be times when we will clash and you won’t like me so much, as it was between my father and me. But, I never stopped loving my father and, believe me, after my first glimpse of you today with your little bald head and honey coloured skin, I can say categorically that I will always love you no matter what you do or say or believe.

See you in the morning,

Dad