I haven’t read you Love You Forever by Robert Munsch without crying yet. I read it to you this morning, as I do most days, and it was extra special—your great grandpa turned 90 years old today! You got to FaceTime with him, and both he and your great grandma were so happy to see you.

I feel so lucky to connect this circle.

The world can be perilous little one. Right now it feels dark. But it doesn’t have to be. We create our own weather. We always have the choice to choose love. Optimism is a choice, not a condition.

So when you see bad things online, and feel the larger system isn’t working to your benefit, you arrive at the crossroads. You get to choose where you take your next step.

And remember this: the path of despair is exactly that. Hopelessness doesn’t feel good. Choose the path that’s more invigorating, even if it requires fighting. The path of hope and love is the better way, even if it’s sometimes the more difficult way.

The people in your life will make it easier. Surround yourself with those you love, those who will support you and defend you and raise you up. Your Mom and I will always be such people.

I often wonder if I’ll look back on 2025, years from now, hardly believing you came to us in such wild times. As my hope falters, I remember the best thing that’s ever happened to me has also occurred this year. For you I will continue to hope and love and fight. It may be pure biology but it matters not. I fight on.

Find your light baby girl. And pass it on to those after.