Worried for Nothing, You Turned Out Great

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, sweet girl. You are loved more widely than you know , by a whole quiet network of people who hope this year is gentle and good to you. The ones who remember every birthday. The ones who keep watch from a distance. The ones who'd drop anything if you called. You belong to all of us. Today, you belong to yourself a little louder. Happy birthday.

Happy birthday, niece. The world is wide and you are exactly the kind of person it needs more of. Go gently into it. We're proud.

Happy birthday, niece. May this year be soft on you, brave with you, and full of small good things you'll remember later.