Family
“Every year you picked the tallest tree on the lot, and it never once fit. I sawed off the top and never minded, because you were so happy.”
“You are the one who knows what everybody was actually like before they were parents. The stories nobody else will tell me about my own mother come from you.”
“I knew this was right the first time I saw how you two look at each other. It is how every dad hopes his daughter will be looked at one day.”
“Grandmother is the word in the dictionary. Gigi is the word in this family. And it has always meant snacks, rescue plans and someone firmly on my side.”
“The world could use a few more people like you. Kind, hardworking and brave enough to try the things that scare them.”
“You used to hand me the wrong screwdriver every single time. I never said a word, because I just liked having you there beside me.”
“I hope the year ahead brings you good news, good friends and plenty of rest. Most of all, I hope it brings you a few reasons to be proud of yourself.”
“You are about to become somebody's whole world, and you do not know it yet. They will not remember this part. I will, and I am already proud.”
“Soon you will start your first real job, and they are lucky to have you. You will learn fast, work hard, and be kind to everyone in the building.”
“Stand tall, even if you fall. Take pride in how far you've come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don't forget to enjoy the journey along the way.”
“I still think about those long summer days when you were little. Sandy feet, melting ice cream and you laughing until the sun went down.”
“There are three whole generations between your hands and mine. And every one of them carries something you started long before I arrived.”
“If I could give you one gift, it would be to see yourself through my eyes. You would see someone kind, brave and far more capable than you think.”
“Someday when the pages of my life end, you will be one of the most beautiful chapters. Stand tall, even if you fall. When life tries to knock you down, this old lion will always have your back.”
“You spend your days taking care of everyone else, often for twelve hours straight. Today is for you. Put your feet up and let somebody take care of you.”
“You have handed out a lot of grades, so here is one from me. Top marks for patience, kindness and believing in every kid in your class.”
“When I count my blessings at Christmas, you are always at the top of the list. You have brought more joy to my life than any gift under any tree.”
“You'll always be my baby girl, no matter how old you get. Happy birthday! Take pride in how far you've come and have faith in how far you can go. I love you more than words can say.”
“You will make a hundred decisions on your own now, big ones and small ones. Trust yourself. You have better judgment than you give yourself credit for.”
“I still cannot explain what you do all day to anyone who asks me about it. This has never once stopped me telling them about it for twenty minutes.”
“Two simple rings and a few short words, and your whole life changes. I hope it changes into something even more wonderful than you pictured.”
“Wherever your new home is, we are still under the same sky. When you look up at night, know that I am probably thinking of you too.”
“From your crazy rants to your witty comebacks, you're comedy gold. Never lose that spark. Life's too short not to laugh, dance in the rain, and find something good in every day. I'm so proud of your joyful spirit.”
“I still wake up early on Christmas morning, even though nobody races down the stairs now. Some habits stay with a dad, like listening for the sound of your feet.”