Dana,
Wow, I now know the back story of your personalized license plate on your Volvo. Happy birthday! What a magical night and weekend. Your generosity, care and love know no bounds. The love and support for you in the room was palpable.
Michael and I feel so fortunate and privileged to be included in your family – the one that you were born into supplemented by those that you chose. There is a thread that flows through all of us, a tie that binds. And that is you! As I think about the DEI initiatives that we are pursuing at work, you know that we have focused on the value of diversity in all matters. Paradoxically, there is one common element that we all shared during your birthday celebration – there was no diversity of thought; we all want only the best for you.
From my first interaction with you after I was announced as the new CEO of the hospital, you have been nothing but supportive of me. You live the mission of our organization. You lead by example. You carry more than your share of the load – gladly. But, lucky for us, you also understand that work also can and should be fun - and for that, I am forever grateful.
You remember that I encouraged every member of our executive team to challenge me, and to not allow me to do anything stupid. You are the only person who has truly taken me up on that offer; and again, I can’t tell you how much I value our partnership.
We all reluctantly complied with your wish not to bring gifts. However, we cannot and will not hold back on expressing our love and appreciation for what you have done and continue to do for each and every one of us.
Birthdays are markers of time passing, and wonderful opportunities for all of us to come together to celebrate the gift and blessing of friendship. So, in that spirit - happy birthday to all of us.
I found this wonderful poem that I thought was appropriate for the occasion:
Our Heavenly Father, who makes no mistakes,
Has given this life to you
Make the most of His plans, His gifts, and His
Hands,
And He will see you through.
Happy Birthday!
What a day God has brought us!
Let’s celebrate you!
Accept blessings and wishes
From your birthday crew!
Your joyous occasion has come at last!
Let’s party together; we’ll all have a blast!
Who better to toast than you, dear one?
Bring on the cake, this party’s begun!
Make the most of His plans, His gifts, and His
Hands,
And He will see you through.
Happy Birthday!
What a day God has brought us!
Let’s celebrate you!
Accept blessings and wishes
From your birthday crew!
Your joyous occasion has come at last!
Let’s party together; we’ll all have a blast!
Who better to toast than you, dear one?
Bring on the cake, this party’s begun!
Sincerely,
Paul