May your trails be crooked, winding – even dangerous at times,
Leading you to the most amazing view.

May you recognize your strength as you conquer mountains ahead;
Yet discover joy and ease, as you yield to the river’s flow.

May you strive to reach your fullest potential – always,
in every moment of every day,
Even if that means you risk appearing the fool from time to time.

May you love fully, unconditionally, with complete abandon
And may this love stretch across familial boundaries
and spill into your community, country, and the world around.

Sure, there will sure be time in which tears will be shed –
But each one well earned by a love you so generously spent.

May you live fearlessly and daringly doubt each of your doubts
Keeping in mind every cut and scrape, bump and bruise
Are mere evidence of an adventure, fully lived and embraced.

And for every victory toasted, honor the disappointments suffered in its name.

May you revel in this journey and dance forth without reservation.
Hold nothing back.

For within this year,
lay something mysterious
and more beautiful
and more full of wonder
than even your deepest dreams could reveal . . .

Ahead, in the not so distant future –
just beyond the resounding toll of midnight.