Birthday Wishes

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, nephew. The day you arrived rearranged the whole family in the best possible way. It's still rearranged. We're still grateful.

Happy birthday, my love. I don't know how you put up with me, but I know you're very good at it, and I never want you to stop.

Happy birthday, son. Every single one of my worst habits skipped you. Every single one of my good ones apparently did too. I have no idea who you are or where you came from. That's a compliment.

Happy birthday, nephew. You've got the whole world still thinking you're an innocent kid. The rest of us know better. The performance has been impeccable. Happy birthday.

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, Uncle. You're the one person in the family who can tell it like it is and still get invited back. That's diplomacy with an edge. Rare.

Happy birthday, son. Long before you arrived, some part of my heart was already shaped like the space you came to fill. You belong here. You always did.

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.

Happy birthday, bro. Some part of me was already learning how to be brave by watching you do it. Still am, honestly.

Happy birthday, my girl. Every time I think I've got you figured out, you go and surprise me in the best possible way. That's not my favorite quality in a car. In a daughter, it's my favorite.