Of all the gifts nature has given this universe, you have undoubtedly been the greatest gift of all.

As you grow from one stage to the next, each chapter brings its own blooms just as the rose bush replaces lost flowers with new buds. You are nature's perfection.

You will always be loved.

Some philosophies say we pick the people in our lives before we ever arrive on this earth.

I don't know if that's true, but I can believe that might be when it comes to you. You have been a great teacher and a perfect father for me.

You have helped me in so many ways that only a mother could do.

You made the simplest things special. You made the impossible somehow possible. You believed in me. You helped me believe in myself.

You are beauty at its best.

You are the roots to the tree that is our family.

Just as the tree relies on its roots for nourishment, support and strength, this family has relied on you.

You have been the life that survived winter's storms, always promising another spring.

You are gentle yet strong. You are humorous and wise.

When I think of mother nature in all of her glory, I am reminded of you.

Your mere presence brings a calm, loving spirit to the space you inhabit. All that you touch is blessed with beauty.

As long as I live, I will love and admire you.

You will never know just how much joy you bring me.

It is impossible for words to describe the pride I feel for you.

Your victories are my victories. Your loss is my loss. Your happiness, however, gets multiplied ten times before it is given back to me.

You will always be loved.

Sometimes I wish we could set back time and go back to learning about life together. Just like when we were kids.

But then I am reminded that we have so many things today that we talked about having back in those days.

Who would have guessed we would end up where we are now? By the way, I am very proud of you.

We have been through so much together. Laughing until we cried. Crying till we laughed.

I have so many memories that I would not trade for anything.

You are my sister and I cherish the fact that you will always be my sister.

You have brought
such beauty to my world.
Your love is felt in all
that you do.
The scent of your fragrance
lingers with me and makes me
think of all that I love about you.

You are my life partner,
and I gladly share my heart
with you in this next
year of your life.

However...
I am not an elephant.
I do feel a bit like an
ass, though, for missing
your birthday.

I hope it was great.

in the gentle fall breeze;
Life moves on to new days
and memories drift into haze.

What brought me happiness today
may be gone tomorrow,
but something unexpected will
be there to relieve any sorrow.

Life's absolute purpose
is a mystery to me
But I am certain
that what we have
will follow us
through all eternity.

You are the master
of your freedom.

Use it wisely.
Use it creatively.
Use it daily.

Why reduce anything?

Even a circle
has the right
to be distinctive
in a field of circles.