happy birthday dani

My dearest Danielle,

I can not believe 20 years have passed since you made your entrance into this world, and our lives. Where has the time gone? I wish I could remember each and every moment. I wish I could go back and relive most of the moments, just to enjoy you at every stage again.

To buy you those cute clothes that you and I keep noticing in the little girls department at Target. To watch you dance in your blue tutu. To read a book to you before you fell asleep. To cheer for you as you dribbled the soccer ball down the field. To get down on the floor with you to color, or play Barbie dolls, or build a fort. To hear you talk about a certain boy, or your camp experience, or your favorite movie. To help you with science projects, or teach you to drive, or wish you good luck as you walked out the door on your way to your first job.

Not every moment was a happy one. There were struggles, challenges, anger, and pain. But such times are a valuable part of life. They taught us both how to cope and they made us stronger. You taught me how to be a better mom and youth leader and I'm hoping you learned that you have an inner strength that can handle anything that comes your way.

Whether they were good times or bad, I consider each and every moment with you as a gift. You have been a blessing to your dad and I. And we have had the pleasure of watching you grow into an amazing young woman.

You are beautiful both inside and out and your heart overflows with compassion and mercy. It's been so heartwarming to watch your relationship with God grow as well as a passion for reaching out to others. And it's always fun watching you use your gifts and abilities working with children.

Thank you for 20 wonderful years. I wish for you a day full of laughter and love. Happy Birthday Danielle. I love you so much.


You can see it in their eyes,
in tender hugs and long good-byes,
a love only mothers and daughters know.

You can see it in their smiles,
through passing years and changing styles,
a friendship that continually seems to grow.

You can see it in their lives,
the joy each one of them derives,
in just knowing that the other one is there...

To care and to understand,
lend an ear or hold a hand,
and to celebrate the memories they share.
~Anonymous