A very special Happy Birthday shoutout to my eldest nephew, Elias (Eli), who, on this day, turns a decade old.

For a lack of a better cliche, words cannot describe the immensity of the love I have reserved for you. More often than not, I regard you not as my first nephew, but instead, as my first son. It feels as if just yesterday I was waking up at six in the morning to feed you warm milk or change your diapers. And now here you are, ten years later, already becoming the smart and caring young man we knew you’d be. Still the best son, brother, nephew and friend you’ve always been. Whatever your dreams and aspirations are, just know you have an uncle, or even more, a father figure who is here to support you. May God continue to bless your beautiful soul.