Good evening everyone and welcome!

I hope everyone is having a good time. I just like to take this moment to
say a few words.

First of all, I like to thank everyone for coming in this special night in
celebrating this important MILESTONE in Marrion’s life.

And of course, special thanks to my lovely and beautiful wife Terry. Allow
me to say, she’s looking xxx tonight. She did all the hard task in
planning, preparing, organizing and negotiating for this Special Event.
She worked tirelessly with the help of xxx. I tell you there is nothing like a
loveable mother to her baby girl. So please let us give her a round of
applause.

Now, I like to say a few words to my dearest Marrion.

Marrion, I can’t believe that in this eighteen (18) years since I first held
you in my arms, I will never forget that Special Day in the Delivery
Room. I was so throb an excited. Your mom, on the other hand, was in
tears and looked somewhat concerned. So I leaned over and asked
what was wrong. Her respond was something I will never forget. She
leaned over and whispered softly and said: “I THINK SHE GOT HER
MOM’S FLAT NOSE.” I was just in shock that in the midst of a beautiful
KODAK moment, all she could think about is little Marrion’s flat
nose….I’m sorry darling. But hey! Look at you now. Your nose is just
perfect.

We are so thankful that our great Lord gave us a precious gift. And your
mom and I are so blessed that it was you.

We watched you grow from that little spanky, curious little girl to now a
“Beautiful, Talented, Smart and Elegant Young Lady.” In a blink of an
eye, you went from my little Marrion to a young vibrant, independent,
young woman. You have accomplished so much in your first eighteen
(18) years of your life. If I try to recall each one of them, I will be here the
whole night.

Marrion, I want you to know that we love you so much and we are so
proud of you. Not just because of anything else, “But for the person you
truly are. You are such a sweet, loving and caring person, who is always
willing to sacrifice herself before others.
You bear a strength of conviction, honesty, and most of all, incredible
self-confidence. I can’t imagine another young woman of your age. Who
knows who she is, what she wants, and more importantly, what she does
not want in life and I truly admire you for that.

Marrion, tonight is another milestone in your life. But this one, unlike
others, I like to say my heart is breaking apart. It’s hard for us to admit
that this celebration means “you are inching closer leaving us.” And I just
wish you slow down a bit, so you can be with us a bit longer.

You have grown in front of our eyes quickly soon that it is hard for us to
let go.

Your yearning for independence and the pursuit to follow your dreams
finally begins. I have no doubt in my heart that you are now ready to face
a new life and challenges ahead of you.

I know that whatever you do will be fantastic because that’s how you
grew. Sweetheart, your 18th birthday is one of the greatest events in your
life. You will remember it as a bright and happy day, when you have all
your family and friends beside you. I wish that all your dreams come true
and if they don’t, you make them happen.

I wish for you all the beauty and happiness in this world, but also the
sadness as well. Because sadness makes you stronger and sadness
makes a happy moment seem even more joyful.

Surely, turning 18 is about your freedom on one hand and fulfilling your
responsibility on the other.

We are so proud of you because we see your limitless potential. We

know that you can do anything you want when you put your mind into it.
But please remember that in between your goal is a “theme” called “life”.
A life that has to be lived and enjoyed. Find a golden balance between
your studies and enjoying your life. You should also know that life is not
a straight path and know that there are occasions that will fall short. You
should also know that you don’t have to be alone all the time. We will
always be there for you. Remember that you have your family and
friends to help you. So treasure this moment, this night. Treasure
everyone in this room. And most importantly, always seek God in your
heart. And be thankful for all the blessings that God provides. Always
have faith in Him, and I am sure you’ll find your way.
I just want you to know that we love you so much. That you will always
be my little girl. I’m so proud to be your DAD and so happy to have you
and such a wonderful daughter.

I LOVE YOU.