Every necklace
“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.”
“Your ring has worn thin on one side from years of actual work. A jeweler offered to build it back up and you said no without asking me.”
“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.”
“I chose my words badly, and I know they stung. You did not deserve that, and I am so sorry I said them.”
“The world could use a few more people like you. Kind, hardworking and brave enough to try the things that scare them.”
“I really believe the hardest part is behind us now. And whatever comes next, I know we can handle it, because we already have.”
“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 said yes and the whole shape of my life changed in one word. Every plan I make now has you in it, and that is exactly how I want it.”
“You teach a classroom full of children every day, and they adore you. But the ones who have learned the most from you are the ones who call you mom.”
“When our kids fall down, in any sense of the word, they run to you. You are their soft place to land, and their biggest cheerleader.”
“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.”
“You care for patients all day and then come home and care for all of us. I have no idea where you find the energy, but I am in awe of you.”
“You forgave me for something I have not managed to forgive myself for. You did it quickly and without a speech and then you made dinner.”
“People ask if I would do it all the same way knowing what I know now. They expect a pause. There has never been one, and it slightly annoys them.”
“There is a new little person in our home, and they already adore you. So do I, more than ever, after everything you did to bring them here.”
“The kids will tell you today that you are the best mom in the world. For once, I hope you believe them, because they are absolutely right.”
“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.”
“Every time one of our kids smiles, I see a little bit of you. The best parts of them came from the best part of my life.”
“When we run into your former students, they always light up when they see you. I know exactly how they feel, because I still do the same thing.”
“I watch you with them and I understand things about my own mother I missed. You are patient in a way I have to work at, and they will never notice.”
“I used to make plans in months and never much further out than that. Somewhere along the way I started thinking in years, and you are in all of them.”
“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.”
“The kids will bring you breakfast in bed, but this one is just from me. I see everything you do for this family, even the things nobody else notices.”