To My Oldest Daughter
In a life that was once only mine a little bundle of light was gifted to me almost 7 years ago. Scrunched, wiggly, determined, smart, loving and defiant from the onset I knew my daughter would be my best friend for the rest of my life... because she was exactly like me... I knew this the moment you were born.
Her name was Ella.
When I saw you for the first time in the doctor's arms I thought it peculiar how much like me you looked. I was almost worried you would end up looking just like me - but unlike your Daddy you turned out to be the most beautiful child I could have ever wished for.
Sometimes we fight. Sometimes we argue. Sometimes you think that I'm being too hard on you... and you may have a point. But I'm going to say this and I don't mean it in a bad way - but life can be hard at time... and the lessons we're going through now will prepare you for your bright future. Your desire to question everything and push back is something I know will serve you well... but I am your Daddy and my job is to love you but also teach you.
You are the best part of my day every day. My pride swells every time I see you try. My heart leaps every time I watch you read. My eyes swell with tears when I see how hard you work to make the world around you a place that you can balance on your little fingers.
I wouldn't have chosen a different way for you to be. Remember to be kind. Remember that your family would do anything for you for the rest of your life... even if that anything isn't exactly what you want.
The title of Daddy is something I have had to earn with you and it's something I cherish to know that I am more than anything. There is no job or accolade I could want more than to be your Daddy. There is no place on earth I would rather be than watching you grow into the young person and woman you will be.
I never thought in my life I could love something so much. I never realized what it means to have the greatest daughter in the world. On your 7th birthday you amaze me every day. On your day of birth for at least one more year - while I can - I will hold you high and tell you I love you and am proud of you.
