Dear Grace,
It seems like only yesterday I was writing my first blog post after setting my eyes on you. How can 18 years have passed so quickly? It has been such a good, blessed 18 years that I wouldn't trade for the world! We fought for you to be born strong and healthy and you were. We have been by your side through four pacemaker surgeries and three knee surgeries. We have also been there every time you skinned your knee or scraped an elbow.
You have grown into a strong, godly woman who is set to take on the world. It will be hard to say goodbye to you in less than a year when you venture off to college. As difficult as it is, it will also be a day filled with joy because our little girl has grown up!
Today, on your 18th birthday, I want to tell you how proud of you I am, how much I love you, and how special you are to me! Never, ever question that love and commitment. I will always be for you. I will be by your side cheering you on and rooting for you as you succeed. Before you were born I made a promise that I would never respond with hateful words no matter what happened or what you said. I would only respond by saying, "I love you." 18 years later I can say that I kept my word.
I pray that the Lord gives me another 40 years or more to be on this earth to watch you graduate from college, start a career, get married, and have children of your own. I want to walk you down the aisle on that special day. I want to hold your children and, who knows, maybe even your grandchildren! If, for whatever reason, God has other plans for me just know that this is the intention of my heart.
You are a beautiful young woman. Wait for God's man to come into your life and sweep you off your feet. Every day I had to wait before meeting your mom was worth it because we have been able to spend our lives together and we were privileged to bring you into the world.
Continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Put him first in your life. Seek first his kingdom and righteousness. Remember the words of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. It asks the question, "What is the chief end of man?" To which the answer is, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever." There is nothing greater that we can live for! I could go on and on but I will end here for now.
I love you! Happy 18th Birthday!
Your Proud Father
