It's a quiet evening here in Ottawa, and the first of the autumn leaves are dancing outside your window, twirling down to join their colorful friends on the ground. You're tucked snugly in bed, probably dreaming of unicorns or maybe the giant ice cream cone we had today. And as I sit here, your dad, thinking about you, my little firefly, I wanted to write down some things. Not just stories, but thoughts, feelings, and hopes—things I want you to remember about me, about us, and about the kind of world I dream of for you.
You know how much I love you, Charlotte. More than all the stars in the sky, more than all the maple trees in Canada. And because I love you so much, I often worry. You see, your mom and I were a bit older when we had you, and sometimes I worry that I won't be around long enough to tell you everything I want to, to share all the lessons and dreams. But then I remember, stories live forever, and so do the ideas we plant in the world.
You're a bright, curious girl, always asking "Why?" and "How?" And that's exactly how I want you to stay. Because the world is a wonderful, complex place, and understanding it, making it better, starts with asking those questions.
One of the big things I believe in, Charlotte, is that we are all in this together. Imagine our family—if one person is sad or hungry, we all feel it, right? We help each other. I believe our country, and even the whole world, should be like that too. That's why I've always believed in socialism, a big word that just means making sure everyone has what they need to live a good life. Like how we have doctors and hospitals for everyone here in Canada, even if they don't have a lot of money. That's a socialist idea—that healthcare is a right, not something only rich people get. I want you to know that I believe in a world where no child goes hungry, where everyone can see a doctor, and where a warm home isn't a luxury, but something everyone has.
I also believe deeply in science. Do you remember when you had that sniffle last week, and the doctor gave you pills that made you feel better? That's science, Charlotte! It's how we learn about the world, how we cure diseases, how we build amazing things like electric cars that don't make the air yucky. I want you to always trust what smart scientists discover, because it helps us make the best decisions for ourselves and for our planet. It’s why I believe everyone should get their vaccines—not just for themselves, but to protect all their friends and neighbors, especially the tiny babies and the very old grandmas. It’s a way of being responsible to each other.
Speaking of keeping our planet healthy, you know how we love going to Gatineau Park and seeing all the beautiful trees and clean lakes? I believe it's our job to protect that beauty. That's why I get excited about electric cars and renewable energy, like those big wind turbines you see sometimes, or the solar panels that catch the sun's energy. I dream of a world where all our cars run on clean energy and all our homes are powered by the sun and wind. It's about being kind to our Earth, so you and your children, and their children, can always enjoy its wonders.
And Charlotte, I believe in treating everyone with respect and kindness. It doesn't matter what color someone's skin is, or what country they come from, or if they love a boy or a girl. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. I want you to know that Canada is a wonderful country because it welcomes people from all over the world, and I believe we should always make sure immigrants are treated with open arms and respect. They bring so many wonderful stories and ideas, making our world richer and more interesting. And I also believe that our neighbors, like Mexico, and our friends, like the Indigenous peoples here, deserve to have their lands and their rights respected, always. Canada is a strong country, and it’s important we stay a strong, independent country, a friend to all, especially our neighbors.
Perhaps one of the most important things I want you to understand, my love, is about freedom. When I was growing up, sometimes people talked about freedom as doing whatever you want, no matter what. But as I got older, I realized that true freedom is different. It's about being free to live a good life, to be safe, to be healthy, to learn, to grow. And to have that kind of freedom, we all have a responsibility to each other. Like how you're free to play in the park, but you also have a responsibility to not push your friends. Or how we're free to have our own opinions, but we also have a responsibility not to say mean things that hurt people or spread untrue stories, because those things can make people scared and divided. That's why I believe we need rules and laws—regulations—to help us all live together peacefully and fairly. These rules aren’t to take away our freedom, but to protect it for everyone. They are there so we can have a society where no one is allowed to spread hate, where everyone feels safe, and where every woman gets to decide what happens with her own body, always. Because true freedom means being in charge of yourself, and no one else gets to make those choices for you.
My sweet Charlotte, you are still so small, and these are big ideas. But I wanted to put them down for you, to plant these seeds in your heart, just like the little garden we'll plant in the spring. As you grow, you'll see the world, you'll ask your own questions, and you'll form your own beliefs. I just hope that these thoughts from your dad will be a small part of the wisdom you carry with you.
Always remember how much your mom and I adore you. You are our greatest joy, our little miracle. And I believe in you, Charlotte, to grow up and help make the world an even kinder, smarter, and more beautiful place.
With all my love, forever and always,
Your Dad
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