Willow Heart
“The job was meant to be looking after you and steering you sensibly along. Somewhere along the way you turned into somebody I actually ask for an opinion.”
“Before there was a family, there was you and me and a lot of big dreams. Look at what you have built. Every good thing in this house started with you.”
“I have started noticing the things that only get done because you do them. The birthdays. The dentist. The card for my own father, every march, in your hand.”
“I have always known you were strong, but this year I saw just how strong. You faced every hard day with courage, and you never stopped being kind.”
“I have seen how kind you are when you think nobody is watching. That is the truest thing about a person, and it makes me so proud.”
“My only advice is to laugh often, forgive quickly and never go to bed angry. You probably know all of this already, because you have always been wise.”
“Your students probably think you are about a hundred years old. To me you will always be the kid who lined up her dolls and taught them spelling.”
“You tried to tell me something important, and I was too busy being right to hear it. I have thought about it every day since, and you deserved better.”
“You know how stubborn I can be, so you know this card is serious. I am sorry. You were hurt, and that is the last thing I ever want.”
“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.”
“You have shown me more patience than I earned this week. I am sorry for my short temper. None of it was about you.”
“Some days you might feel like you are not doing enough. Please know that you have always been more than enough for me.”
“I know flowers do not fix anything, so this card comes with a promise. I will listen more, snap less and show you every day how much you matter.”
“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.”
“I didn't know a heart could hold this much love until the day that you came along. Through every season you have been my constant, my calm, and the greatest love I have known.”
“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.”
“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.”
“You are my favorite person to talk to, laugh with and do nothing with. On your birthday, I want you to know how much that means to me.”
“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.”
“People call nurses heroes, and I get to be married to one. Brave at work and gentle at home. I honestly do not know how you do both.”
“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.”
“I arrived as a complete stranger with nothing to offer but good intentions. You handed me a plate and never once made me feel like a guest again.”