To my precious Parker: Keep being you

Your light brightens every room — never dim it for anyone.

Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash

You just started sixth grade, and I’ve been thinking a lot about the incredible person you’re becoming and how proud I am to be your dad.

There’s something magical about watching you grow. Not just because you are smart and capable (which you are), but because you’re confidently yourself in a world that often pushes people to fit in.

You have this spark that shines in so many ways.

You carry a wonderful mix of confidence and charm, with a natural ability to light up a room through your lively spirit and endless curiosity.

No matter what you’re doing, you always bring your full self to it.

I love how adventurous you are. You ask big questions because you’re a thinker and a learner, a student who wants to know how everything works.

You don’t just accept answers because someone older says so.

You analyze. You feel. You’re not afraid to share your thoughts, even when they go against the crowd. That takes strength. That takes heart.

You inspire me with how bold you are.

You have a sharp eye for detail and a strong sense of what’s fair — a true stickler in the best way.

You’re full of energy and ideas, clever and determined. You’re always bursting with thoughts and words, but you’re also wise beyond your years, whether you're diving into reading, math, coding, baking from scratch or learning about money.

In all your passions, you exhibit curiosity, creativity and care.

You haven’t played much golf before, but out of nowhere, you just made the sixth-grade golf team.

This surprise achievement shows just how capable and determined you really are.

I love how you follow your passions and find joy, meaning and creative expression in the most unexpected places.

You are truly one of a kind.

You wear what you like. You say what you mean. You do what you love.

What I admire most is how you never try to be someone else.

You walk your own path. That’s not always easy, especially at your age, but you do it with courage, confidence and grace. I see it in how you play, how you learn and how you speak your mind.

I hope you never lose that.

You remind me how important it is to always stay true to who you are and to be proud of it.

Being your dad is the best gift I’ve ever received.

I love you, Parker, not just because you are my daughter, but because you are authentically you.

And I’m so proud of the person you are becoming.

Keep letting your light shine.