Sample Messages

Holy intestines, dude! You did it! You made it to the end and now have fancy letters attached to your name forever. How does it feel? (I hope you feel smarter after all those extra years of education!)

All jokes aside, man…I’m really happy for you and I know your family will be extremely proud of your achievement. Just don’t forget how to drink cheap beer and watch football, OK? (And leave those scalpels at home when you come play golf with us.)…

Billy, the Boozer, Taylor

Do you remember when you were six years old and you went to visit your dad at his office? You walked right into his boss’ office and sat down in the big leather swivel chair behind his desk. You looked so little. But you scooted the chair forward and pretended to write on imaginary paper on the desk. You said “One day I’m going to the big boss.” You were right!

I am just so SO proud of this special achievement. I guess this means you’re all grown up now… but you’ll always be my sweet boy….

Mom

For as long as I can remember, you always went to work bright and early and always came home with a smile on your face no matter how busy or hard your day was. I remember all of the stories you would tell me about the patients you had and how you bonded with them. Every once in a while you’d come home with gifts that you had received from them from thanking you for your gentle care. You touched so many lives throughout your career and now it is time for you.

Now that you’re starting this new chapter in your life, have some fun! Start some new hobbies, go shopping, and travel wherever your heart leads. Iceland. Israel. Istanbul. See it all and send me lots of pictures. After all, you earned it.

Love you always and always,

Melly, your sugarplum princess

Thank you for being a wonderful husband and stepdad to our “monsters”. You are the glue that has held our family together for over a decade. I wouldn’t be able to deal with our two wonderful teenage boys without your patient and loving help. Thank you for being the handy-man, gardener, and driver whenever needed. You are incredible and I probably don’t deserve you.

To ease the pain of getting old and prevent you from having a midlife crisis, I have transformed the guest room that no one ever uses into the man cave you’ve always dreamed of. Cheers to never missing another game and always having a beer in hand, because you deserve it!

Your Wifey for Lifey

As for me, whatever you need, you know you can count on me. I AM HERE FOR YOU. Got it? I don’t care what time of the day or night, I am here if you need me to get you medicine at the pharmacy, or help you shop for the perfect scarf, or just hold your hand while you have a good cry, count on me. And even though I cannot stand to see people barf, I will even hold your hair back if you need to puke your guts out too. You did it for me when we went to the frat parties in college and I will do it. Here’s your chance to pay me back. LOL

My friend, I cannot do this ‘sucks-most-of-the-time’ life without you. So, dammit, get well. I love you,

Jen

When you need some company or just want to chat on the phone, we will be there. If you need someone to go with you a meeting, I’m there. We all know that you will get through this. You are stronger than you may feel right now, and even if you have a moment of weakness, we’re here to help make sure you have the support you need!

Kris

You inspired me to follow my dreams and encouraged me to do what I love, not what others expect of me. I’ll never forget what you used to say “Happiness is worth more than all the money in the world.” There is no adequate payment for all that you’ve done for me but I hope that, with these words, you see just how much I appreciate you. You’ve made a difference in my life. And isn’t that what teaching is all about? Hopefully one day you’ll get to see me on Broadway.

Thanks for helping me become more of who I am meant to be.

Always,

Gabriella

I’ll admit, in the beginning the team was in rough shape. We couldn’t keep control of the ball, we didn’t communicate with each other, and our shots always missed the goal.But you always believed we could do it. You pushed us so hard and sometimes I didn’t like you for it. Man, I hated drills. But you knew what you were doing and the team got better. Somewhere along the way, we got really good.

I know that years from now, when I look back at the season, I won’t remember you yelling at us and making us practice over time (well maybe I will remember that and be able to laugh), but I’ll definitely remember the confidence that I gained on the field because of you. The one thing I’ll remember best is the taste of sweet victory. I hope you do too…

Sam “Speedster” Jessup

Remember when we were kids and we did a fashion show at your birthday party? Our moms took us to have mani/pedis and we did each other’s makeup and then wore all of our brightest clothes down a makeshift catwalk using milk crates? I, the clumsy one, fell off one and almost cracked my head open on the coffee table. Ha ha. Even then, you were excited by fashion.

I am really happy for you. I know there has been a lot of hard work going into this for a lot of years. And I know this is only the beginning, and you’re probably gonna face a lot of challenges, but keep pushing. Trust your instincts ‘cause a lot of people will want to tell you what to do and how to do it, but you’re the one creating your brand so be true to yourself… to your vision!!! You’ve got a special gift for style. You deserve every success… Just don’t forget your friends when you’re premiering your first collection at Fashion Week in New York. I want a front row seat!

Dana

You may be feeling a little worried about making new friends and living in a new city, but we have no doubt that the real you will quickly draw the right people into your life. You’re equipped to succeed at anything you set your mind to—college is just one of many boxes you’ll be checking off! So go get that degree and learn tons. We know you’re going to make this world a better place with whatever career you choose.

Love,

Mom and Dad

You and your entire crew are heroes. We always hear about people who are awarded medals for their valor and courage. You may not feel like you are, but I can promise you that you are as deserving of those awards as anyone. Being a firefighter is not an easy job. There is physical and emotional demands that can take a toll on you. Thank you for constantly running toward what others run from. Thank you for saving so many lives, including mine, my husband and my three children. You have made an incredible difference in our lives.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Sheila Meyers and the entire Meyers family

When I was asked to write a message to share my best parenting tip, I had to think back over 40 years, four kids and eight grandkids, innumerable sleepless nights and a truckload of good times to come up with my “#1 Parenting Tip.”

Are you ready for it? Here goes.

Every night, before you say goodnight to your child, think about something he did that you’re grateful for. When he’s old enough to understand your words (way before he can talk himself), express that appreciation. Something as little as “Thanks for helping Mommy feed the animals today” can build his understanding of the impact his actions have on others. On days when he misbehaves, and there will be a few of those, do this. Let him know “I really appreciated that you made your bed this morning.” This will remind him that even when he is not behaving his best, you still see the good in him. This will help him strive to do better.

Of course, I have lots more tips, if you want to know how we did things in the old days. I’m always here to help with advice, babysitting or whatever you need.

Love you,

Nana

The main thing you need to remember is to live every day like it’s your last. Don’t be afraid! Go on adventures, have fun, and let yourself be happy. People will judge and try to influence you but follow your heart. Always remember it is okay not to have everything figured out. Take it one step at a time….

Jennifer

I would also look forward all year to our summer vacations because I knew I’d have adventures with you. We would go out exploring, picking berries and mushrooms in the wooded areas behind your house. Other kids might have been afraid to go into the forest, but not me. You always made it feel like it was an extension of the house. I think that’s where I get my deep love of nature… directly from you. Thank you for that beautiful legacy.

Your little pee wee,

Nancy

Although most of us weren’t part of your crew for the entire time, we do feel pretty attached to the business you’ve built. That reflects on you and your dedication to the company and customers as well as to all of us, the staff. We feel like part of the family! A lot of companies talk a good game about being ‘family’, but I feel like at Harding Homes, we really are. That is absolutely because of you.

Thank you for setting a great example of integrity, respect and courtesy for the community. All the best as you continue to succeed…

James T.

As you take your final bow on the stage of defending our great nation, please know this: it was the knowledge, character and determination that you demonstrated and modeled that will allow me to carry forward the responsibility of serving and protecting. I am who I am because of you, my brother. Thank you for everything… Semper Fi.

Kyle

Scott, you are a talented young man, who has exceeded my expectations. I don’t normally say much about your accomplishments but I know that this could be one of my only opportunities. There is something important I want to say… and it is something my dad didn’t say to me. He was old school, like gramps. Those generations didn’t express how they felt much. But I want to be different and tell you how I feel… I want to say the words because you should never put off for tomorrow what you can do today (which is also good advice as you head off to school). Here goes…. Sam, I am so darn proud of you. So do great. Learn lots. Figure out what you want to do with your life and then go out there and do it.

I love you, man,

Dad

We just hope you’ll stay in touch and maybe drop an anchor and visit with us when you’re nearby.

Anchors away,

Your Old Shipmates

I didn’t know your mother very well, but I do know how much she meant to you. These things are hard and although I’ve never gone through it, just imagining what you are experiencing right now is horrible. I just want you to know that I am here for you in any way you need. I am always available, whether you need me to bring you food, a box of tissues, or just hold your hand while you talk or cry, you can count on me.

Times are tough right now but you are strong and you will be able to get through this……

Peter

Mara, you are such a strong and courageous woman. May God grant you the fortitude to withstand this tragedy and come out even stronger than you already are.

With sincere sympathy,

Mr. Green

Just know that you will be numb for a bit. You will have dark moments. It’s ok to scream into the void if you want. But be gentle with yourself, and remember that while it normal to grieve, you cannot allow yourself to unpack and live there… because we would miss you too much.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do for you.

From all of us who care so much about you.