The first time I saw you was amazing. I was a college student, a new husband and all of a sudden my life was changed forever. Before you (and before your mother), I didn't have a lot of direction other than a vague notion that I would get out of school and get some job. Sitting there watching your heart beat and watching you repeatedly run your huge head into your mom's stomach transformed me from a guy into a father. All at once there was someone that I was responsible for, someone who would depend upon on me completely, also someone who was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen.
Watching you grow has been amazing. We've had all of this time, but it's passed so quickly. It was just yesterday that you and I were spending Friday afternoons together going to McDonalds and a kids movie for valuable father/daughter time while your mom worked. Moments ago I pushed you on the swing at the little park by our tiny home. Just instants have passed since you cared for me as I recovered from an ankle surgery. I just took a picture of you and Rachel on your bike. You just smacked your sister. I just yelled at you because your bedroom is a mess (actually that did just happen). I guess my point is that almost eighteen years have passed in the blink of an eye. It's been amazing.
There is no way to sum up eighteen years so I'd like to pass along some of my favorite quotes and ideas. So, if I can play Polonius to your Laertes...
"This above all: to thine own self be true" - Shakespeare (To me this is one of the most important things to ever take to heart).
"Hold yourself to a higher standard than anyone else expects of you. Never excuse yourself." - Henry Ward Beecher
"Why? Because I said so. How do I know? Because I know." - Jerry Sanchez
"Bring da ruckus" - Wu-Tang Clan
"Whatever? It's not whatever. It's whatever the f@*k I Say!" - Me
"Don't panic" - Douglas Adams
I just wanted to say thank you for being amazing. You have the ability to make me as quickly angry as anyone on the planet not named Brenda Sanchez, but you also make me laugh. I'm so glad that you not only inherited my tendency towards anger (which is not good), but my sarcastic, slightly twisted sense of humor. You're smart and beautiful and have every ability to achieve all of your dreams and goals. Thank you for making me laugh and for providing focus to my life. Being your dad has been my life's greatest adventure.
Whitney,
Life is an adventure so be adventurous.
Forgive yourself.
Remember that we're all here together so take care of others.
Find some peace and strength in a relationship with your God. You were called, and will always be a child of God.
Only give your heart to another who loves and respects you as much your parents do each other.
Congratulations, whitterbug.
You're mom and I are proud of you and we love you very much. We will always think of you as our baby.
Meeting you was amazing. You've been amazing. Go be amazing.
