Birthday Wishes

Happy birthday, Grandma. Long before I knew the world was hard, you taught me it was also full of small, lit windows. You were the first one.

Happy birthday, Uncle. You have the excellent quality of making every gathering feel like the party actually started when you walked in. Some people do this on purpose. You do it by accident. Even better.

Happy birthday, my love. I'm not great at surprises, but I'm great at you. That's the best birthday card I've got. Happy birthday.

Happy birthday, my love. Every day with you teaches me that the holiest thing I can do is pay attention , to your face, your voice, your astonishing heart.

Happy birthday, Grandma. At some point you stopped caring what anyone thinks about anything and became the most interesting person in every room. We're all trying to get there.

Happy birthday, Grandpa. Somewhere along the way you stopped explaining yourself, and somehow that made everyone listen harder. You discovered the real life hack.

Twenty-one, son. The road is yours now , go choose well, love hard, and don't be a stranger. We're so proud of who you've become. Happy 21st.

Happy birthday, Dad. The world says strength is loud. You taught me it's mostly staying when staying is hard. Thank you.

Fifty, Grandpa , half a century of being the man we look up to. Today we toast you, with all the love this family has to give.

Twenty-one, niece. You can now do legally most of the things you've been doing anyway, and I'm choosing not to know about the rest. All I'll say is: be smart, be kind, and make choices the family can hear about without having to make a face. Happy 21st. Proud of you.