“What did you hope for them — what did you silently promise — in those very first moments?”

Why this question

Not a list of achievements. The feeling underneath. What you wished for their life, before you knew anything about who they'd be.

Capturing it in voice

• ·You don't need quiet. You need now. Record it in the car, on the walk to school, at the foot of the bed.
• ·Record it on an ordinary day — the background noise of your kitchen is part of the keepsake.
• ·If they're old enough, hand them the phone and let them answer it themselves. Their phrasing is the treasure; don't tidy it.

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