Our first trek together

Dear Rishaan

Today is a special day! Today, on Dec 20, 2020, you and I went on our first trek together. This was in Coorg, to a peak called Nishani Moothe. You enjoyed most of the 4 hours long trek, until the end point started eluding us.

While I am sure this day will stay in your memory for long, there is a chance that it may start to fade with the years. So, I wanted to use this letter to help keep the memories and the lessons learned intact.

This trek, like many other things you have done before (walking, cycling, Math, even your A, B, Cs) was not easy. You struggled with the steep ascends, and the declines. And yet you persisted. You ensured that you went till the end. The thought of giving up came to your mind, we even talked about it, and yet, you kept moving onwards. Persistence always pays, and when it gets difficult, you must remember what that gentleman on the trek told you – put one step in front of the other and keep walking.

Remember when you were crossing the narrow shallow stream, walking on that wobbly plank? You caught the stick that the other person offered. Then there were times when you held on to my hand when the terrain was slippery. You were willing to take help, and that’s very important. It’s a sign of strength – for it is not easy to acknowledge to another that you don’t know / are not good with something, and you need help. And while it’s one thing to take help when offered, remember son, that you should never hesitate to ask for it.

The one thing I have always admired about you is how you never let go of an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate others! When we were celebrating at the end of the trek, you said, “It’s not just me who did it popsie, we all did it together.” Continue to always acknowledge and appreciate those around you. That’s a noble, rare and critical quality.

And lastly, never ever stop trying. There will be steeper ascends, and slippery slopes. Let that not let the adventurer in you die. Keep exploring, keep learning and keep growing.

Love you!

Popsie!