Birthday Wishes

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, niece. The day you figured out that you didn't have to do things just because someone older said so was the day I started respecting you most. Keep that.

Happy birthday, Grandma. You know things about this family that no one will ever know because you have the sense to keep them to yourself. You're the safest person we've got.

Half a century, my friend — and still my first call when life gets weird. Happy 50th. Here's to a chapter as full and as loud as the ones we've already lived.

Twenty-one, daughter. You are now officially old enough to do most things I've spent years asking you to wait for, and all I can say is: I hope you have the patience I didn't have at your age, and the confidence I wish I'd had. Use both. Come home for dinner sometimes. Happy 21st.

Happy birthday, my daughter. The world will tell you a thousand stories about who you are. Trust the one we tell you at home: that you are wholly, fiercely, exactly enough.

Happy birthday, bro. I've spent years trying to explain you to people who've never met you. Eventually I stopped. Some things you just have to experience. Happy birthday.

Twenty-one, my girl. Today the world hands you the keys. Drive carefully. Dance recklessly. Call home sometimes. Happy 21st.

Happy birthday, my love. You make me laugh, you drive me crazy, and you make really good coffee. Of those three things, I can confirm which one keeps me here. I'm not saying.

Thirty, brother , and the kid I grew up with has turned into someone I genuinely look up to. You did the work quietly, the way you do everything. Today let us be loud about you for a change. Proud of you. Lucky to know you. Happy 30th.

Happy birthday, friend. May this year be loud, bright, ridiculous, and good to you in every place the last one was hard.

Happy birthday, my girl. You have made me reconsider several of my life positions, update three of my opinions, and improve as a person at an age when most people have stopped trying. You are an expensive but effective life coach.