Regnal Year Six, Fourth Month of Shomu, Day 10, by the hand of the Nisut-Bity, Sekhenet-Ma'at-Ra setep-en-Ra Hekatawy Tamara, in life, prosperity and health, for the newest child of the Two Lands, born on Regnal Year Six, Fourth Month of Shomu, Day 4, the Festival of Sopdet and Heqet, Dante Lee Ramirez, son of Nitimai Amanda Dennis.

Dear Dante,

You're much too young to read this letter today... in fact you will be too young to read it for another several years, and probably to understand it for a few more after that, but I wanted to send a special note to your mother for you, that you might read it someday and understand a little something of your world.

Welcome, first of all. I cannot tell you how overjoyed we all are that you have finally joined us. And especially on the day in which you did -- the festival of Heqet, Midwife of the Netjeru; and Sopdet, the wishing-star Who twinkles all beginnings. I cannot think of a more appropriate day for a baby to come into life, and you chose it.

Your name, which you probably didn't choose, is also very appropriate. I don't know whether your mother is aware of the original significance of it, but I am: Dante, the man who went through Hell and back. You were there, too; more than once. Hundreds of people prayed for your mother over the last few months, when she was in and out of the hospital, in bed rest...in a way you are the child of this whole congregation as well as your mother. We're all very proud to call you a brother and son.

It's a beautiful world. It's a rough world in some respects, too: it's not the world I was brought up in, and most likely not even the one your mother was brought up in. At this point there's no telling what the world will be like when you are as old as I am. As you begin your journey I cannot even give you any solid advice about what to expect, how to get there or what sorts of challenges you will face, beyond the basics. A bright new future awaits you, Dante. Enjoy it -- all of it -- because it, like you, is a gift of Netjer.

While I also can't tell you your life will be all sunshine and rainbows -- even the best among us sees rough times now and then -- I can tell you that you will never be alone in those rough times. You have your family, both your blood family and all of your Akhu. And you have us -- the Shemsu of Netjer. We promise to be there for you, Dante, in order to honor Netjer's gift of your life in the first place. Should you ever need a helping hand, all you have to do is ask.

When you read this letter, you'll likely have more of an attention span than you do today; but I won't keep you any longer. Someday, I look forward to seeing you in more than photographs, and perhaps, some other day, we'll talk about this letter. Netjer bless you, little Dante. Welcome to our world. I love you very much.