Dear Me,

Today marks the centenary of your birth, and I want to be with you on this special day. Surely you’ll be celebrating with your children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, friends, and loved ones. There will be cake, music, laughter, and tears. So many people who care about you. I can imagine the celebration they must be preparing for you. You deserve it.

I imagine the aches you must be feeling. One hundred years is a long time. A healthy life, rest, good food, and exercise have helped, but in the end they are not enough. At this age, the body and mind inevitably deteriorate—one faster than the other. Still, the purity of your heart remains intact. It is just as it was when you were twenty. At that age, conquering the world still felt like too little.

With successes and mistakes, triumphs and lessons, you have lived a decent and good life. You have been a good father and a good friend to your children. They have always seen your example and your dedication to being a good person. Your advice, and their mother’s, have shaped their lives deeply. As parents, you were the lighthouse guiding their ships to harbor. And that example is now passed on to their children and to future generations.

You were also a good son; you stayed by your parents’ side until the end. You loved your siblings and your family. You were always there for them. You were a good friend too—so many good moments. You laughed with them until you were exhausted. Today they will all be with you, whether in life or in your memories.

I hope you found a new love. I hope that person is by your side today. She is very fortunate to have you and to have shared all these years with you. And you are even more fortunate to have her; she is the best thing that could have happened to you. You, stubborn old man. I told you that you would find a new angel, that God would give you a second chance. I never doubted it. See? I was right. You found that light that has been your strength all these years. Tell her I love her, even though I haven’t met her yet.

Tell me—how does it feel now that you’ve made it? How does it feel to finish a life full of achievements? How does it feel to know that your descendants will leave their own marks and bear much fruit? I envy you. You can look back and see the entire road you’ve traveled. You know that every effort was worth it. I envy you because today you will be surrounded by so many people who love you. That is your greatest victory. You have left in the minds and hearts of your loved ones a memory. It will be hard to erase. In your children, that memory will never fade.

I don’t wish you a long life—you already have that. You must be tired. You want to lie down, close your eyes, and reunite with those who left before you. What I do wish for you is physical, mental, and emotional strength to endure the pain you must feel. I wish for you to continue enjoying the love of your children and your family. Don’t stop learning from them, and don’t stop teaching them the meaning of life. At your age, you understand it well. I wish that you never lose that light with which you see the world and its changes. And I hope that light continues to inspire many more people after you’re gone.

Me? If you care to know, I’m doing well. I’m still busy forging the path that will lead me to where you are. I still wake up every morning and thank God for each new day. I keep working hard, taking care of myself, and giving my best so that you can enjoy this moment. Because, believe it or not, from the future I can hear your advice. Thank you for your prayers.

See you in fifty years.

I LOVE YOU