A Birthday Tribute to my Daughter

My Dearest Marquesa,

Nothing can prepare you for the ardent love that emerges following the birth of a child. As children, we are exposed to notional figments of this reality but the cliche is almost too grand for our developing minds to accept- the zenith of affection, unfiltered, unbiased, undisputed- veritas. 

It has been one year since I vowed that I would walk with you on your second birthday, hand in hand, a change from the hand in heart of your first anniversary. To describe the ache that my heart felt missing your first milestone is inexpressible – just know that no light shined brighter to lead me back to you, my lighthouse.

My everlasting birthday wish for you is that you live happy and true to yourself. In a world of blind compliance, I encourage you to spread your wings and soar, challenge “normal”, exceed expectations and refute any idea that living with integrity is wrong.

Since June 8, 2018, life has never been so right.

The bar will never be set too high because you, my girl, are tall, capable, and I pray faithful in your limitless potential. And if by chance, you think you fall short, you’ll always have Dad’s shoulders to stand on…

So for this year, I’ll make it rhyme, like our stories sound sometime. As for the cast, the star and main- you’ll be my princess, just the same.

You’re one year older, wiser, sly, the sweetest piece of sassy pie. Supporting cast are Mom & Dad, to dry your tears when you are sad, to flair you home and make you smile, as you turn the birthday dial. 

I miss you in the morning and then you come in our room, you run, you walk, you wake me up as “Dad” echoes tried and true.

I love the way you beckon me to come down the steep stairs, to start the day, my favourite way- with you and mommy there. 

I love the way I ask you to do- things that you’ve learned like grabbing your shoes, you’re so smart, true to the tied – whatever you do, I radiate pride.

Sometimes its true, I must admit a bittersweet feeling that you’re growing so quick , I’m struggling to grasp, to catch to snatch – to make every precious moment last..

I like the times we go outside and you take Daddy for a walk, I like the times we sit and draw using your colourful sidewalk chalk.

You keep me fit, the wagons shire, to pull you in your carriage styler, sometimes I hough and often I puff, so you hand me the bubbles to blow some rounds off.

I love the way you answer yes when I ask you, “you okay?”, music to my ears I pray will never go away.

I’m glad I rarely see you sad, though sometimes baby, you get mad-  your perfect smile always beams which keeps me knowing you’re serene.

From walking, started talking, now – telling us you peed, our sprout is now a toddler, overnight it seems.

We’re 2 years in, enchanted and blessed, to watch you grow into our princess.  From fairy dust, to make-believe tea, our Coronet Gemini baby exceeds.

No matter what happens, I’ll always be close, alive in your heart- where I’ll grow old. Whenever you’re down and feeling hurt in some way, I promise to take it and heal it away.

To my beautiful daughter, on the day she turns two, two years of foundation are founded for you.

Spring forward, and leap with all of your might, fearless and fearsome to fly lifes’ kite. 

And if down the road

You might hit a tree, that gust of wind took it and sent it to me- I’ll grab it and fix it and put you on track, my daughter, my sweetheart, 

Dad has your back. 

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