To My Beloved Son

A Father’s Letter

If you’ve seen Stephen Graham’s powerful recent series Adolescence, you may know that he and Orly Klein are co-authoring a forthcoming book titled Letters to Our Sons—a collection of heartfelt messages from parents to their boys. You can learn more and contribute here: https://www.research.net/r/letterstooursons .

As a father, I’ll be submitting my own letter. And I encourage every parent, especially every father, who has words of love, hope, warning, or wisdom for their son to do the same.

Our voices matter. Our love matters. And our sons deserve to hear it.

My Dearest Jasim,

Not a single day goes by without you in my thoughts. Your laughter, so full of joy and light, still brings a smile to my face, even through the ache of being apart. When I scroll through photos on my phone and find one of you, I pause. I let my eyes trace your face, your eyes, your smile… and for a moment, time stands still. Nothing fills my heart more than seeing you happy.

I’ll never forget the day I came home from a long work trip to the U.S. I’d forgotten my keys and knocked softly on our door in Wimbledon. When it opened, there you were, just a few months past your first birthday, barely walking a week, and your face lit up with that unmistakable beam only a child gives their parent. I dropped everything and pulled you into my arms, holding you so tightly while tears streamed down my face. I was heartbroken I’d missed your first steps. That moment changed everything for me. I left my consulting job soon after, any career that took me away from you just wasn’t worth it. From then on, I wanted nothing more than to be there for you. You became my world, my sweet, spoiled boy.

Jasim, I love you more than anything on this earth. If I could, I’d move mountains, or burn them down, just to spend one more minute with you.

I’ve always told you I could never be the “best” father, because that title belongs to my own dad, who I lost over 27 years ago but whose words still guide me every day. I named you after him because I hoped to carry his kindness, strength, and love into your life. I tried with everything I tried to be the second-best dad in the world. That you’re not with me right now isn’t your fault. It’s mine alone. And I carry that weight every day.

There’s something I’ve never said to you before: the struggles you’re facing now, the confusion, the questions, the pain, I’ve been through them too, at your age. But I was lucky. I grew up in a different time where family values mattered, friends who stood by me, and mentors who helped pull me back from the edge. You deserve that same support. And I promise you: none of this is your fault. You’re a child. And every child makes mistakes—some more than others—but that’s how we learn. You are still learning, and you are so deeply loved, exactly as you are.

Please stay strong, my son. Don’t let fear or confusion or the wrong voices in your head define you. Trust your heart. Think carefully. Question what doesn’t feel right. And always remember: no matter what happens, no matter what anyone says, I will always, always love you.

I’ve promised your mum and your sisters that we will be reunited. And I’ve promised your grandfather whose name you proudly carry, that I will never, ever stop fighting for you. A father who abandons his son doesn’t deserve to breathe the same air. And I will never abandon you.

I miss you more than words can say.

With all my love,
Dad
Meitham