My daughter turns 16 tomorrow. This is a message to her.

To my beautiful daughter,

To say I am proud of you would be a massive understatement. Throughout your life you’ve always given your best while being kind, caring, and compassionate. You’ve given 100% in school and are excelling. I know you’ve never liked school, but the fact you continue to turn up, engage and make the most of it fills me with absolute pride.

Now, you’re turning 16, and the maturity I see in you is incredible. I love that we can sit and talk for hours with honesty, trust and mutual respect. You are incredibly intelligent, and I know you will carry everything you’ve learned into your future—which I believe will be bright and full of success.

I’ve done many things in my life, but you are my greatest achievement. I talk about you all the time to my friends and tell them how well you’re doing. Whatever you choose to do in life, I will always back you and support you in every way I can. You can come to me with anything, and I’ll always give you my best advice and guidance.

I hope you have the best birthday, and I wish you nothing but happiness as you step into adulthood. You’re going to do incredible things, and I get the privilege of sitting on the sidelines, cheering you on as you succeed.

Don’t ever let anyone or anything bring you down. Your life is yours—and it’s what you make of it.

All my love,

Dad