Happy Birthday

Know that I am always with you. You may not see me, but you are never forgotten. You are close to my heart, just like the day your tiny fingers first wrapped around mine. I remember how you could barely open your eyes, and yet there was this wonder inside me as I cared for you—fixing your little wounds, whether it was a splinter, a scraped knee, or just restless legs. A quick band-aid with your favorite Disney characters, and you were as good as new.

I watched, sometimes with a heavy heart, as your siblings didn’t always include you in their games. You were just a little too young to be seen as a real playmate, and sometimes they thought you were more of a bother than anything else. It hurt me because I wished for all of you to play together, to be kind to one another. But, even in that, something special happened. It gave us time for our own adventures. We went on daddy-daughter dates! Often, it was just running errands, but it always ended with a little treat for you. No, this wasn’t just to make you happy for the moment. It was my way of showing you how much I valued the time we spent together, your choice to be with me. And, when possible, your little brother came along too.

Today is hard for me. It’s the first birthday I’m not there to celebrate with you. Know that this wasn’t my choice, and more importantly, it’s all out of love. If you were here, I’d be playing “Happy Birthday” on my guitar, using a cut capo in the key of E, with those familiar D-shaped chords. Though you can’t hear it, and the candles I’ve lit are just for me to see, I’ll blow them out for you. I’ll borrow your wish, if I may. I wish for you to come back to me—safe, happy, and back in my arms. You are so precious to me. You have taught me how to love the way a father is meant to love his child.

I’m also saying a prayer for you—for another year full of beauty, adventure, and wonder in everything you do. I know you will grow into an amazing young woman who will take on the world with all your heart and soul. May your talents shine brighter, and may your wisdom grow even stronger.

Love always,

Daddy