Dear son,
We don´t know each
other that well yet, but I´m sure this will change quite soon. I already think
it's fantastic that you - just like your dad – attach such a great importance
to your appearance. Yesterday, you suddenly decided to move into breech and to
enforce a caesarean section. No doubt you were thinking about your first
Instagram picture, which will determine your image for the coming months. And
although the Aden filter can turn mediocre people into models, you decided to
take no chances. No hours of wringing through a shady and sour ditch, but a
first class ride to the light. Quite obvious you´re made in jetset Ibiza. You
want the world and you want it now, which means a clean cut and an outlet in
style. An eternal scar for your mother, but a smooth start of your adventure.
Getting your priorities straight, that's my boy.
But what are my
priorities concerning you? A great Danish thinker once confided to me that the
perfect education consists of 'roots & wings'. By roots she meant core
values and traditions. The heart of our being. And because of that, my buddy,
I travelled up North to conquer your mother. Although her angelic looks also
played a key role in constructing my airbridge between Brussels and Oslo.
Solid roots that nurture
and strengthen has been for centuries the secret for success of Scandinavian
women, who raised their children to become responsible Vikings. They strongly believe
in the Law of Jante, which considers human equality as the highest good. Their kids
grow up in extremely cozy (koselig)
and loving homes, preferably surrounded by family. They pursue ´just about enough but not too much´ (lagom).
Moreover, as a former
peasant girl, your mother stresses the importance of discipline and a balanced
life in harmony with herself and with nature. She will undoubtedly provide you
her personal values such as kindness, caring and patience. Because she's
probably the sweetest person in the world. At least, that´s what I remember
from my wedding speech.
Thanks to her
traditions and background you will – once you´re mature enough – celebrate annually
the adoption of the Norwegian Constitution (woo-hoo!), totally wasted after millions
of Akvavit shots wearing a 200-year-old ridiculously looking suit. More
importantly, you will get instant access to the Scandinavian crystal ship…Filled
by a thousand girls, a thousand thrills. A million exciting ways to spend your
time in the North.
But you´ll be mostly
craving for the northern summer nights. Enchanted by the eternally lasting
twilight, galvanized by the beats of the 2030s Kygo, put under a spell by
princesses in magical white cocktail dresses. This annual prospect and your inevitable cross-country skis will keep you on track during the dark winters. Life
won´t get better than this, how many virgins other gods may promise you.
But becoming the
youngest member of a top-level sports family, I have to tell you that the
Scandinavian Law of Jante should not hinder the development of your talents.
Experiment, exercise, excel. Wave your wings and ask me to nourish them. Beg me
over and over to pay for your sports lessons, concert tickets and travelling. Don´t
do the maths too often, learn languages and get out there. Leave for Erasmus. Remind
me to invest and get inspired.
Consider others as
equals, but dare to be different and to do better. Follow your desires. 'Why would
you deny yourself something you want?´ Listen sufficiently to that devil´s
voice, without creating hell for your beloved. Live like you´re no one's
master, like you´re nobody's servant. Make sure responsibility doesn´t paralyze
you. Spread your creative and spirited wings. Wings that will illuminate you
and will unveil your potential. Laugh at
your father's cynicism, but do not use it as your life fuel. Apply your
mother's core values as a compass, if you would lose your way.
I offer you this letter
as our binding contract for the roots and wings I promise you to deliver. Talk
to me when I fail to live up to your expectations. Apart from discussing women
and football, I deeply hope that we will soon be able to also have those kind
of conversations. So you can in fact develop into a responsible but free
Vanderveeren Viking.
By choosing your first
name, we have given you a platform of roots and wings. Your namesakes ruled for
centuries over the North, having a royal name that sounds powerful on every international
scene. Ready to conquer the world. You already have my full support.
We'll see each other
soon,
Your cynical, but loving
father.
