Malika Haqq shared a special message for her son Ace Flores ahead of his fifth birthday, which left them both moved.
On Friday, March 14, the ATL actress, 42, posted an Instagram video of herself reading a heartfelt letter to her not-so-little boy, whom she shares with ex-boyfriend O.T. Genasis, as they said “goodbye” to 4 and welcomed 5.
“Because tomorrow is your birthday, mommy wrote a letter to you,” she said to her son as they both stood in front of a bathroom mirror.
Ace seemed intrigued to hear what his mother had to say as he also played with a small toy.
“Can I read it to you?” she asked, to which he happily replied, “Yup!”
“Bye 4-year-old Ace,” she said, already becoming emotional and fanning her teary eyes. He stopped playing with his toy, turned away from the mirror and watched as she read aloud.
“I’ve committed to the role and responsibility of raising you happily every day. I honor God through my role as your mother. He’s pleased with us, Ace. I’m blessed because of you,” Haqq said.
She noted that although she has loved him “at every age,” him being 4 was “extra special.”
“We’ve learned so much this year, protecting your innocence is my pride, providing for you is my strength,” she continued.
As Haqq read, Ace briefly looked away before setting his toy down and turning back to his mother, smiling at the sentimental words.
Their moment was interrupted as he fell from his step stool, but as soon as Haqq made sure he was okay, she resumed reading.
“As you’ve turned into a little boy in front of my eyes, I no longer see your lovable chubby cheeks,” she said, gently grabbing his face, causing him to laugh. “But I bask in your growth and independence.”
“The way you hold doors for me and kiss my hand while I hold yours has been the most special display of your heart for me,” Haqq said as her voice began to break.
Watching his mother’s reaction caused Ace to stand up straight and pay more attention to her words.
“As I say goodbye to the 4-year-old, I welcome the 5-year-old Ace and all that you will become,” she read while wiping her eyes. “There’s no place in the world I’d rather be. There’s no one more special to me and no moment more important.”
Ace started wiping her tears away before passing her tissue.
“My son, I ask God that He continues to cover and shower you with blessings through all your days. Tomorrow you are five. I love you, and I’m so proud of you,” she said.
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The two hugged as she concluded, “Thank you for being the best son I could ask for.”
Her comment section was filled with supporters who loved both their bond and her message.
“Look at his face looking at mom so precious,” one person said. “Him wiping away your tears Stopppp it 😭 😭😭😭😭,” another added.
One asked, “Can we get a handbook on how you raised your son?,” while another sent a special birthday wish: “Who else cried😭 Happy birthday Ace may God continue to bless you and keep you. Much love😘.”
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