Unlocked the Cheat Code

Happy birthday, nephew. You remind me of myself at your age, which is both a compliment and a heads-up. Choose wisely.

Happy birthday, nephew. You're at the age where you think you know more than the adults. You're also at an age where you're right about more than the adults want to admit. Keep both of those in mind.

Happy birthday, kiddo! Stay curious, stay brave, and don't grow up too fast — we like you exactly the way you are. Love you.

Twenty-one, nephew. Officially old enough to vote, drink, and be held accountable for most things simultaneously. Welcome to adulthood, where the instructions are unclear, the stakes keep going up, and the people who seem most confident are usually just the ones who've practiced longer. Go be great. Be specific about what great means to you. Happy 21st.