Today marks a monumental milestone—your 20th birthday, Martha. I stand in awe as I look back on the two decades of life that you have experienced, grown through, and truly lived. The 20th birthday is special, not just because it closes the chapter on teenage years but because it ushers in a period of adulthood where dreams, aspirations, and the lessons from past experiences truly begin to take shape. You are no longer a child, and yet, there’s so much of your vibrant, youthful spirit that continues to shine.
I am deeply proud of the person you have become, Martha. You have grown into a compassionate and strong individual. As a daughter, you’ve shown me love, patience, and understanding, even when I struggled to be the parent I wished I could have been. As a sibling, you’ve been a role model—reliable, supportive, and always there to uplift those around you. As a student, your dedication and drive have been inspiring to witness. Your commitment to growth in every aspect of your life is nothing short of remarkable.
But, as much as I stand here filled with pride, I also reflect on the times when I wish I could have done better as a parent. There were challenging moments when I fell short—when life became hard, and I wasn’t always able to guide you through those storms as well as I would have liked. Yet through it all, you remained steadfast. You handled yourself with grace, maturity, and resilience that far surpassed your years. It was in those moments that I saw just how strong you are, and how much you’ve taught me in return.
As you step into this new decade of your life, my advice to you is simple: keep growing, keep dreaming, and keep becoming the best version of yourself. You have everything within you to reach for the stars, and I know there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Continue to be kind to yourself, even when things get tough, and remember that setbacks are only stepping stones to something greater. Never let fear or uncertainty hold you back from chasing your dreams—because you are more capable than you know.
Martha, I am grateful every day to be your parent, and I am so excited to see where life takes you next. I know that, whatever path you choose, you will approach it with the same courage, determination, and heart that you always have. Your future is bright, and I’ll always be here to cheer you on.
Happy 20th birthday, Martha! Here’s to more milestones, more growth, and more dreams fulfilled.
With all my love and pride from 1,933 miles away,
Dad