My beloved Valley,
Happy Birthday to you! You are only becoming more and more beautiful as time goes by. I don’t know of anyone who has not fallen in love with you when they first met you. I still remember the day when I saw you for the first time and fell so badly in love with you. I must say that this love I feel for you is beautiful and yet has been difficult at times. I am from a society that does not allow us to appreciate having fellow lovers. This is something I am still learning and struggling with. Strangely, all your lovers come together to celebrate your birthday and work together to create a meaningful atmosphere for the children who come to play in your wilderness. I feel this is possible because the intensity of my love is deeper than the insecurity I sometimes have with your other lovers.
All of us have our own versions of what is best for you. And we want to see that happen! I feel in doing so, we somehow forget your intelligence, wisdom and your own awareness of what is best for you. I am sorry. You are more than four decades old now and I need to start trusting and honouring your wisdom and vision for yourself and all of us. I wonder how you so gracefully listen to so many opinions about what is good for you?
This will not stop us lovers from quarrelling but we will probably do so with a greater sense of love and respect for each other—because we know now that it is you who will decide at the end of the day. I can imagine you quietly smiling at the sight of all of us debating on what you should be doing.
I feel the world right now needs more Valleys! On this birthday of yours I would like to make a wish for that to happen. We need multiple Valleys around the world to show that lovers can have differences and yet get together to create a beautiful atmosphere and celebrate their love.
Thanks for having me in your presence.
Your lover forever,
Skanda