From Dad
“A marriage is built one ordinary day at a time, not just on the big ones. Be patient, be generous, and always save the last dance for each other.”
“When you were small, you asked for cake for breakfast every birthday. I always said no, but you are a grown up now, so go right ahead.”
“When the sink leaks or the smoke alarm chirps at midnight, call me. I will talk you through it, and I will secretly love that you called.”
“Whenever your crown gets heavy, remember whose daughter you are and hold your head high. Believe deep in your heart that you will never lose. You either win or learn. I will always be here to protect you and guide you through life's storms.”
“I helped you carry the boxes up the stairs and pretended they were light. The heavy part was driving away, and I still smiled the whole way home.”
“You still get new pajamas on Christmas eve, and you always will. Some traditions are too good to retire, no matter how grown up you get.”
“You always left the biggest cookie on the plate for santa. I never told you who ate it, but I think you have worked it out by now.”
“I bet your desk is covered in handmade cards and candy canes this week. Those kids know how lucky they are to have you, and so do I.”
“Stand tall, even if you fall. I will always have your back. When you're too afraid to look ahead, look right beside you. I will always be there. You are and always will be one of the best things that ever happened to me.”
“I've tried to plant deep roots of strength, kindness, and courage within you. So that when life calls you to explore the world, you'll always know your way home. Take flight, my darling.”
“Nobody gets to tell you how big your dreams are allowed to be. Dream as big as you like, and then work as hard as you always have.”
“I miss driving around town with you to see the Christmas lights. You always picked the brightest house and said ours should look like that.”
“There is a message from you on my old phone that I have never deleted. It is eleven seconds long and you are asking me to come and pick you up.”
“You have the strength to conquer any mountain you choose to climb. Remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and capable of achieving anything your heart desires. I'm always here for you.”
“Every house on our street put up lights, but ours had the brightest one. It was you, running through the hallway and singing every carol off key.”
“I saw the late nights, the cold coffee and the piles of notes on your desk. Every one of those hours counted, and today the whole world can see it.”
“I remember every precious moment, from your first smile to your first dream. So much of my heart is made from all the memories we've shared together. Someday when the pages of my life end, you will be the most beautiful chapter.”
“Somewhere tonight, someone feels better because you were the one who showed up. They may never learn your name, but they will remember your kindness.”
“In a few minutes I will walk you down the aisle, and I am trying to hold it together. I want you to know that every step of the way here has been my honor.”
“I promised myself I would not cry today, and we both know how that will go. Every tear will be a happy one, because you found someone who loves you well.”
“I taught you to change a tire and wire a plug because I wanted you unbothered. Not because I thought nobody would do it for you. So that you could choose.”
“Your birthday has always felt like a gift to me as much as to you. It marks one more year of watching you become exactly who you were meant to be.”
“When you were small, I made a list of everything I hoped you would find. Kindness, courage, a good laugh and someone who sees you clearly. You found all of it.”
“Soon you will be excited about a new vacuum, and that is how I will know. My kid has officially become a grown up with a home of her own.”