NIKKEI INDEX UP BY 1

I rarely crave specific foods, and even when I do, I wouldn’t go monkeying out of control if those cravings weren’t satisfied. Going further back in time, this may have been instilled in me early in life, growing up in a poor family. I spent my childhood without the latest toys, fancy shoes or clothes, or even hand-me-down Geiger counters.

Even now, as a married man, when my date asks me where I want to eat during our Saturday breakfasts, we usually end up at one of my favorite restaurants: “Caw?” “Sanmutype,” or “Caitsaan.” Sometimes, we even end up at “Qungsanmoora.” They have branches nationwide. Drop my name, you might get an extra discount.

But life has a way of giving you a treat, even when you don’t ask for one. Somehow, The Creator knew what my heart truly desired. Let me unbox that for you:

After my son, Andre, was born, and when my wife became pregnant again, people would ask, “Would you prefer a baby girl this time?”

I would always say, “A healthy baby, boy or girl.”

That may have been true. I would have been delighted with another boy or a beautiful baby girl. I had no preference.

But God knew me better than I knew myself.

On this very day in 1997, God heard the silent sigh that came from my heart. He blessed me with a lovely daughter! I really wanted one, after all.

We named her Nina Kristin (for when I ask her to do her chores), and nicknamed her Nikkei (for when I’m asking her for a favor).

That day, my unspoken craving, my inner desire, was finally satisfied: I had a daughter!

I have a daughter! Today is her birthday, and she’s giving us a treat.

Happy birthday, Nikkei, my dear.