father – you’ve taught me how to be brave.

strong and noble head of this house,

you taught me to stand up for what i believe in.

mother – you’ve taught me to be kind.

heart of this family, lovely and good,

you taught me how to act when i go into the world.

brother – you’ve taught me how to be tough.

my first friend, my first competitor,

you taught me to keep going, even when things get hard or when it hurts.

sister – you’ve taught me how to be a friend.

littlest of all, my closest friend,

you taught me to be gentle towards those that are smaller than me.

family – you taught me how to love.

first to find a place in my heart,

you have shown me how to live with courage and with strength,

you have taught me how to live with compassion and with grace.