Dear Serena,
My brother-in-law, and your dad Noel’s mentor and good friend Joseph McAllister and I and our families are wishing you the happiest of birthdays, or "Habari Njema Ya Kuzaliwa,” which as you know in Swahili means “good news on the day of your birth.” Your dad, Noel, shared with us that your birthday is Wednesday, May 1, and since Kenya is ahead of us on the time spectrum, I wanted to get this out to you as soon as possible.
Our gift to you is a little history about what the name Serena means and where it is derived from:
The name Serena exudes elegance and tranquility. It is derived from the Latin word “serenus,” which translates to “calm” or “clear,” like a calm and clear lake on a peaceful day. It implies a respite from the chaos of the world. It was a name that was commonly used in ancient Rome, continuing on to modern Italy, the roots of my ancestors. It has captivated the hearts of countless parents throughout history. Serena has been embraced by various cultures and eras. It was prominent during the Renaissance period and gained popularity among artists, philosophers, and poets who sought to evoke beauty, grace, and serenity through their work, and continued usage in modern times.
Renowned tennis player Serena Williams, who is known for strength, grace and calm under pressure, has undoubtedly contributed to the names popularity, inspiring parents to choose the name for their daughters. While Serena may be prevalent in Europe and the Latin America, Mexico City, and Brazil, it’s presence can also be felt in Asia, India, South Africa, and Kenya where as you may know Joe and I have travelled to on a few occasions. Serena’’s popularity in Africa reflects the continent’s embrace of global influences while celebrating its own unique traditions.
In closing we wish you and your family a wonderful birthday celebration on the day of your birth
Peace, Love, Blessings,
Dennis and Joe
