Every necklace
“The first bill with your name on it is a strange kind of milestone. It means you are out there building a life of your own, and I could not be prouder.”
“You have been a mother for only a little while, and you look like you were born for it. The way you hold and soothe this little one takes my breath away.”
“You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. Wherever your path may lead, always remember whose daughter you are. When you're too afraid to look ahead, I'll be right beside you. Never stop chasing your dreams.”
“Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain. Every day may not be good, but find something good in every day. Believe in yourself and remember to be awesome. I believe in you.”
“It takes real courage to ask for help, and I hope you always will. Needing people is not a weakness. It is how love gets in.”
“You never once called yourself brave this year, but I watched you be brave every day. I hope you know how much I admire the woman who got us through.”
“I have watched you grow into someone braver than I was at your age. Wherever you go, you carry a little of me and a great deal of your own light.”
“You walk into hard rooms every day and make them a little easier. That takes a kind of courage most people will never need.”
“You are loved more than you'll ever know. Believe deep in your heart that you are capable of achieving anything you put your mind to. I hope you believe in yourself as much as I believe in you.”
“It takes courage to pack up your life and start somewhere new. You have always been braver than you give yourself credit for.”
“Today the kids and I are in charge of breakfast, so please lower your expectations. Whatever ends up on the plate, it comes with a lot of love.”
“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.”
“I hope someone brings cake to the staff room for you today. And I hope your class behaves, at least until the last bell.”
“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.”
“I know your students will make you cards full of glitter and spelling mistakes. This one has no glitter, but it has just as much love in it, and maybe more.”
“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 did not have to love me, and you chose to anyway. That one choice made you family long before any word for it fit properly.”
“We met in one very loud week and somehow managed to get it completely right. Years on, the house has changed hands twice and we have not changed at all.”
“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.”
“There were things I could not take home and say out loud at that kitchen table. You were close enough to understand them and far enough that I could say them at all.”
“Your coffee goes cold every morning now, and you do not seem to mind. Because your arms are full of the best thing we have ever made.”
“The first time I saw you hold our baby, I fell in love with you all over again. You looked tired and beautiful and completely sure.”