The narrative recounts the author's journey through significant personal milestones and emotional moments, beginning with an English class at Boston University where students from diverse backgrounds were required to write an essay on an unforgettable experience. A classmate from Argentina won the essay contest with a poignant account of witnessing his child's birth, which resonated deeply with the author and others for its universal depiction of human emotions.
Inspired by this, the author shares his own story of becoming a father at 68 after years of struggling with infertility. The journey involved countless medical visits and disappointments, including an encounter with an indifferent Parisian doctor, before finally receiving the joyful news in Tirana. The birth of his son, Daniel, on Valentine’s Day 2020, amid the looming shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, brought profound love and renewal into his life. The text reflects on the tender and transformative journey of parenting, centering on Danja, a young child full of innocence, curiosity, and potential. As Danja grows, his boundless curiosity and eagerness to learn shine through. He progresses rapidly, from counting to 100 to reaching 1,000, constantly asking questions and exploring the world around him. The parents muse on his future, envisioning limitless possibilities—a scholar, an explorer, or simply a free-spirited individual. The certainty lies in the rapid pace of his growth and the enduring bond he shares with his mother, who sees him as her ultimate masterpiece. The author reflects on the universal wonder of parenthood and the transformative power of love, urging others to embrace the joys of raising a child regardless of age or circumstances.
