I want to say it to you before everyone else gets to:

(I want to say everything to you before anyone else gets to.)

I love you.

For the same reasons that everyone that meets you loves you.
You are kind and selfless; humble and generous.
To everyone.
To your friends that have stuck around since you were five.
To the girl that spills beer down your back at the Drake concert.
You have one face that you show the world.
There is no guessing with you.
No questions.
I have a consistent, stable home in your arms.
In your laugh.
I will never take that for granted.

I’m so proud of you.

For working harder
For taking on extra
For biting your tongue
For asking for advice
For taking none of your responsibilities lightly

I hope this year is the best one yet, for you.

My true hope is that it’s the best on yet, for us, selfishly.
But regardless of where I fall into the equation: you deserve all the happiness in the world.
And I know you are strong and determined enough to go get it.

Although I may have missed a good chunk of these last 20+ years
I know that every lesson, memory and moment
(in both of our lives)
led me to my best friend.
So I thank God for all of it. And I look onward, expectantly, for what’s to come.

Thanks for being in my world and letting me into yours.

xo K