Sometimes it is useful to see what other people have written. We have provided some samples to help get you started.
Hints for writing
Think of your intention—What do you hope your words will accomplish?
- To create the best possible birthday present
- To let some one know how great they are
- To let someone know they are loved
- To bring joy and happiness to another person
- To thank the other person for being there for you
Say the page heading to yourself. Think of an actual situation with that person. Trust the words and images that come to your mind.
Personalize your comments “Joan, you are special because …” rather than “You are special because …” Using the person’s name makes the statement more powerful.
Examples
You are special because…
You are special because you have a loving heart and wonderful intention. Your friendship is a joy in my life.
You are special because you are there for me without judgment. You listen, offer help where you can and love me unconditionally. Thank you.
You are special because you have a zest for life that sparks people’s imagination.
You are special because your love for each other brings enjoyment to my life and makes my life fuller. Thank you.
You are special because you try hard to give the very best you can to other people.
Mom, you are special because your spirit is so alive and vital in me. You have taught me how to be gracious and loving. I am eternally grateful to you.
I want you to know…
I want you to know that you are one of my best friends. You are fun to be with. You are loving, generous and have taught me a lot. I am blessed to have you in my life. You are the gift. I love you.
I want you to know that you are the greatest thing that ever happened to me. You make me laugh. You make me grateful that I am loved. Your spirit and way of looking at life always brings joy to my day. Thank you for your presence in my life.
I want you to know that you are the most remarkable person I have ever known. I love you, I admire you, I value you, I enjoy you, I respect you, and I am grateful for your friendship. You have opened so many doors in my life, opened me to me, shown me that it is safe to trust a friend, safe to trust myself, safe to trust the Universe.
You have taught me to be true to myself, to claim that which is mine, to honor myself and my skills and accomplishments. I am grateful to the core of my being.
I admire you…
I admire you because you always carry with you, a huge, warm heart, a sense of humor, an everlasting smile, and you make the best of a world that is not so perfect, but in your eyes, is !
I admire you, and I’m grateful to you because of the special things you do for all the people whose lives you touch, especially mine. You have always been such a wonderful supporter (cheerleader), in all my endeavors trials and tribulations—from braces to basketball and beyond. Knowing you are always there to count on has been a source of comfort and peace to me and all those around you.
We greatly admire you because you personify all of the qualities that mean so much to us: kindness, graciousness, generosity of spirit, and a huge capacity to love!
My wish for you is…
My birthday wish for you is a long happy life filled with joy and good health. You are a very special person and it is my great privilege to be considered close friends. You have always made our times together special.
Mom, my wish for you is that you remember you are the best mom in the world. You are there for me, love me unconditionally and support me in my dreams. You are the best!
My wish for you is that you find time each day to have nothing to do. I wish you moments of relaxation, serenity and peace.
I wish that you know that you are a beautiful, generous, loving being and that your presence in my life is a blessing.
My birthday wish for you is that you get everything you wish for plus some extras you haven’t even imagined yet.
Mom and Dad, my wish for you is that all of the love—in all of the hearts—of the people that love you—shines on you always.
On Friendship
True friendship between two people is infinite and immortal—Plato
I am grateful to you because you are always there and allowing me to express my emotions and beliefs with out passing judgment, even if you do not agree or understand you have always shown an interest in my life and allowed me to follow my path.
A friend is someone with whom you can be yourself. Someone who is concerned about what you do. Someone who will tell you the truth about yourself. Someone who listens to you endlessly and cares about your welfare. Someone who often makes me whole. Thank you for being there for me.
I love you, not only for what you are but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for you have made of yourself but for what you are making of me. George Eliot
I look at you as you start to grin and we share the joy of the moment we are in. Like the ocean—It’s something we can’t contain. A special feeling. A moment we share. The feeling I get when you are there.
Retirement
It’s been great working with you and I’m going to miss you a lot, but you’ve done your part and done it well and it’s time to reap the rewards of your hard work. These are your golden years, and I hope you enjoy every minute.
I know, I know! You are going to enjoy your retirement! And you’ll be rubbing it in forever, no doubt! Believe me, I’ll be envious particularly on those weekdays when you’re out (golfing, shopping, fishing, bowling, etc.) Go ahead, have your fun, just keep in touch.
I remember when you joined the company and look at you now! Wow! What an accomplishment, and I’m sure you’d go higher still if you weren’t so intent on spending more time with your (husband, wife, grandkids, hobbies), but you’ve earned this time, so enjoy it! Best wishes in your retirement!
You retire? I’ll believe it when I don’t see you at your desk! Oh, I know, you’ll be working at something, but just don’t forget that besides a career, you made some great friends here, and you better come back and say hello once in a while. Have a great retirement!
(Name), be proud of the contributions you’ve made to our company over the past years. It’s not going to be the same, and we’ll never“ fill your shoes,” but your time has come, so get out there and enjoy it! But come back and see us often!
Anniversary
Congratulations on your wonderful marriage, your great family and the many, many contributions you have made to others along the way. Keep it up!
Dear (names), it’s so nice that we have this opportunity to congratulate you for setting such a wonderful example for the rest of us. The way you support each other is an inspiration and is the ultimate expression of true love. Many happy returns,
Dear (names), congratulations on reaching your XXth anniversary! You always seem to be having fun. No doubt there’s been rough times, but you’ve shown us all that married life can be beautiful. May it last forever! Love,
Dear (names), your marriage is an inspiration to me. You love and respect one another. It is clear why you made it all these years. I think you two are fun to be with and set a great example for the rest of us. Congratulations.