From Dad
“You used to play dress up in my old hats and marry the dog. Today you are marrying someone a lot more suitable, and I could not be prouder.”
“You used to reach for my hand whenever we crossed a street. Today you have someone else's hand to hold, and it is the right one.”
“If you miss home a little in the first few weeks, that is perfectly normal. It just means you were loved here, and you still are, every single day.”
“I have pictured this day since you were small enough to fall asleep on my shoulder. The real thing is more beautiful than anything I ever dreamed.”
“Your desk probably has more coffee cups on it than apples. That is fine. The best teachers run on caffeine and a lot of heart.”
“I think about you a lot more often than I probably say. In the car, at the store, and every time I hear a song you love.”
“Some days you might feel like you are not doing enough. Please know that you have always been more than enough for me.”
“You used to help me hang the lights by handing me one bulb at a time. It took twice as long, and it was the best part of the whole season.”
“Your laughter is the sweetest sound I've ever heard. Believe in yourself as much as I believe in you. Life is one sweet ride, so enjoy it, laugh often, and never forget your way back home.”
“When I saw you in scrubs for the first time, I saw every hour you put in to get there. The studying, the early starts and all the weekends you gave up.”
“I have danced with you in the kitchen since you could stand on my feet. Today I get one more dance in front of everyone, and I will not miss a step.”
“Your laugh has been my favorite sound since the first time I heard it. It still fills a room, and it still makes me laugh too.”
“I have loved you at every age, from the tantrums to the late-night talks. Each year I think this must be my favorite one, and each year I am wrong.”
“You are and always will be one of the best things that ever happened to me. I am so grateful for the person you've become. You make me proud every single day, and I cherish being your dad more than words can say.”
“I want you to know that my heart walks with you and holds you even when my arms cannot. For all the prayers I ever prayed, you are truly the answer. Never forget that I love you, today and always.”
“Keep me in your heart, for you are always in mine. Just remember no matter how near or far apart, I am always right there in your heart. Nothing and nobody, not even time, will change that.”
“School may be finished, but I hope you never stop being curious. Keep asking questions, reading books and wondering how things work.”
“There is a box I kept with every drawing you ever gave me in it. Your mother thinks I kept that box for you. I did not keep it for you.”
“Believe in yourself, and remember you only fail when you stop trying. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.”
“Someday when the pages of my life end, I know you'll be one of the most beautiful chapters. I hope you believe in yourself as much as I believe in you. My heart walks with you and holds you even when my arms cannot.”
“No matter how old you get, you will always be my kid. And I will always be the first one in line to cheer for you.”
“I was hard on you about the grades and I thought I was doing you a favor. You turned out clever in ways nothing at school ever measured, and I was wrong.”
“Your kindness at work is a gift that does not need any wrapping. You give it every shift, and it means more to people than you will ever know.”
“Mostly because you're too heavy now and my back can't take it! Stand tall, even if you fall. When life tries to knock you down, this old lion will always have your back. You shine like the brightest star, kiddo.”