I've known happiness that I can't describe, and I have felt sadness and fear that also feel too big for words.
I've watched a quizzical little baby grow to an ethereal little girl, and I've seen that child grow into a beautiful and tough young lady who walks and lives in this world now, but on her own terms.
It hasn't been easy, and I've not always (or perhaps even mostly) been completely up to the job of being Schuyler's father. I've probably stumbled as often as I've gotten it right. But I wouldn't un-live a moment of it, not even the sad times, nor would I trade places with any human being on the face of the earth. I have lived a charmed and privileged life in these twelve years, and I know now that the thirty-two years that preceded them were nothing but prelude.
Happy birthday, my weird and wondrous monster-slayer.
She is so beautiful courageous and charming! I think you and her mother have done a wonderful job of encouraging her to be a "real human" as defined by Chief Dan George in "Little Big Man."
ReplyDeleteI've read your blog in several iterations since before the announcement that Julie was pregnant with Schuyler. I admit sometimes I feel a bit like a creepy stalker since I've been reading about her since her "Grub" days.
ReplyDeleteI have always been touched by how fiercely you love Schuyler.
Happy Birthday to her. And congratulations to you and Julie for navigating another year as her biggest fans.
Happy birthday!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Wishes to a beautiful young lady!
ReplyDeleteMy son shares the same birthday. He was 2 when Schuyler was born. Yes, she is wonderful and growing into a beautiful young lady. Happy birthday Schuyler!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday beautiful Schuyler. I'm so glad that you were born!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your lovely daughter and to you and her mother too. My "different" daughter turned 15 last week.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for years and admire her courage and yours too. Keep on writing and sharing. I hope that 2012 is a year that brings more of what the 3 of you need.
As with so many of your other readers, Schuyler and you and Julie have a special place in my heart. Happy birthday Schuyler! And happy 12th anniversary of parenting to you and Julie!
ReplyDeleteWishing a very happy birthday to your sweet Schuyler. You know, based on how Schuyler is blossoming, I'd say you and Julie should have no regrets anyway. The ferocity of your love and respect for her is what makes Schuyler secure to be exactly— and unapologetically— who she is.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to Schuyler! My son's turning 6 today so we share a day of joy. My life hasn't been the same since and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
ReplyDeleteLike every year, let me say again how lucky I feel to have been a reader for so long and gotten to witness even a small part of the journey your wonderful family is on together. Schuyler, happiest of birthdays. You're amazing.
ReplyDeleteThis post is a glorious birthday gift for your daughter. Print it. Frame it.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Schuyler! Thank you for sharing some of your life and self with your dad's readers.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, beautiful Schuyler. You and your father and mother have taught many of us many good things.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Schuyler! Enjoy your special day - and never stop being the beautiful, wonderful, inspirational person you are! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday beautiful Schuyler!! You are one amazing young woman..
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Schuyler! You look very stylish and grown up in your recent pictures.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Schuyler! Always wishing you the best.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Schuyler! I love your nail polish and I'm completely charmed by your fashion sense.
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughter was your age I sometimes had trouble picking her out in a crowd of kids. All the girls dressed exactly the same and wore their hair the same. Except for variations in eye and skin color they looked like a bunch of teen dolls rolled off an assembly line.
You have your own style in the pictures your dad posts of you and it's so much better than the outfits they put on display at teen clothing stores at the mall.
The fashion world needs more young people like you to be designers, buyers or just plain trend-setters.
Happy Birthday Schuyler!
ReplyDeleteHappy 'Birth - Day' Rob!
Happy Birthday, Schuyler!!
ReplyDelete(p.s. You are stylin' in that picture!)
Love.this.girl!!!! Happiest of birthdays to you, Schuyler! You hit the parental lottery!!!!
ReplyDeleteOnly one word EVER comes to mind when I venture into this blog - WOW. Schuyler...you are so intensely beautiful and so mind-blowingly inspirational. You have no idea what an imprint you leave on this world each and every day. Happy 12th birthday, Schuyler.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Schuyler! This painting makes me think of you:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.kiwisbybeat.com/illu/green.jpg