At Home – Part 1

You practically attached yourself to Ukki (grandpa) during our whole time in Finland. Was it because you share the same name or because you both are twins?

We were so worried how you were going to manage without him back home in London that we took a couple of Ukki’s passport photos with us to show you if you needed.

But we forgot how strong you are. Grandma says you are the mysterious one. “The silent fish with secrets” as the children’s song says.

Just as it didn’t bother you that brother learned to walk before you. You weren’t stressed, you didn’t show that you were jealous. You took your time and started taking steps in your own time. With confidence.

Now you reach for everything and climb on anything. Nothing can stop you when you put your mind to something.

And most of all, you are happy. You smile when you see that brother is happy, you smile when you see mum and dad kiss, people who meet you for the first time say that you seem like you don’t have a care in the world.

And you make us so happy. Our little lion.

So go on, follow your own path. And we’ll just watch you from the sidelines, beaming with pride.