From Dad

“I still remember walking you to your first day of school with a backpack bigger than you. Today you walked across that stage on your own, and you looked like you belonged there.”

“While most people are wrapping presents, you will be taking care of strangers. Somewhere a family will have a better Christmas because you were there.”

“I hope your birthday comes with a day off, a long nap and no alarms. You spend so many days caring for others. Today is all about you.”

“Someday your kitchen will smell like the holidays did when you were small. You will start your own traditions and keep a few of ours, and that makes me smile.”

“Every new home needs a hammer, a level and a few spare batteries. It also needs someone who will drive over to help, and that is me.”

“I put a few tools and a flashlight in your boxes when you were not looking. They are for the small emergencies. For the big ones, you can always call me.”

“Every birthday you become more of who you were always meant to be. I have had a front row seat for all of it, and it is the best show I know.”

“I hope your shoes are comfortable and your coffee is still hot. And I hope you know your old dad brags about you to anyone who will listen.”

“You have always given away your time, your kindness and your last cookie. Today it is someone else's turn to give something back to you.”

“I hope you build a home full of laughter, kindness and late night talks. A home where you both feel safe, seen and completely loved.”

“I hope your new home fills up with friends, good food and lots of laughter. Most of all, I hope it feels like you the moment you walk in.”

“I cannot always be there to give you a hug when you need one. So this is the next best thing. Wear it on the days you miss home.”

“You have always wrapped your presents better than I ever could. This one may have a little too much tape, but it comes with all my love.”

“After a week of long shifts, you deserve a long hot bath and a good book. Leave your phone in the other room. The world can manage without you for an hour.”

“Today you start a family of your own, and I could not be happier for you. The one you grew up in is not going anywhere, and neither am I.”

“The promises you make today are the most important ones you will ever make. I know you will keep them, because you have always kept your word.”

“Christmas gets busy, so I hope you find one quiet moment just for you. A warm drink, the tree lights on, and nothing you have to do.”

“Soon you will have a classroom of your own and a room full of new faces. You will be the reason some of them start to love learning.”

“You will probably wear a santa hat with your scrubs at least one day this month. Your patients will smile, and for a minute they will forget where they are.”

“There will always be a spare toothbrush and clean sheets waiting for you. No matter how settled you get, this will always be one of your homes.”

“I hope your summer break is full of late mornings and long walks. You gave those kids everything you had this year, and you earned every day of rest.”

“My heart has never been quite this full, and I do not mind one bit. Watching you marry someone who adores you is the best thing I have seen in years.”

“I know some shifts send you home with more than tired feet. You give so much of your heart to the people in your care.”

“You spend all year remembering twenty-five birthdays that are not yours. Today the cupcakes, the song and the fuss are all for you.”