Kayla

My dearest daughter, why is time our enemy? It seems like just yesterday I held you in my arms as your innocence overwhelmed me and your smile captivated me. I can not help but be saddened as you come to a new age. For your life changes daily, but, to become a teenager puts you at the doorway of separation and growth. Recognize that doorway, please and know that you are always welcomed back through it, to be the daughter I often held when crying. It is I who cry now, as you become older, you too will become wiser and interests that you develop will guide you away from me and home. Know, though you may distance yourself, the love I feel can never be stronger and will never diminish. It will last forever. My eyes, well they will always see you as a smiling baby that needs her daddy. Happy Birthday, Kayla, it is not my intention to make you sad, but I want you to be happy, both Mom and I do. We recognize who you are and who you can be, so take the world and make it yours. So, on this birthday, celebrate not only becoming a teenager, but as well the fact that you are a person that is and always will be forever loved.