Happy birthday, Mick Joseph Dunning
Twenty-One Years Into the Light
Today we watch you cross
that invisible threshold—
not from boyhood to manhood,
but from inheritance
into authorship.
Twenty-one years ago
we held you, astonished,
as if the universe
had trusted us
with something far too precious
to belong to us at all.
And now here you stand—
taller than our memories,
steadier than our fears,
already walking roads
we cannot walk for you.
We have lived long enough
to know the world is noisy,
full of promises and alarms,
full of people who mistake speed for wisdom
and power for truth.
But we have also learned
what lasts:
Kindness outlives cleverness.
Integrity outlasts applause.
Curiosity opens doors
that force never can.
And love—quiet, stubborn love—
is the only wealth
that grows when given away.
You were born into a time
both turbulent and miraculous,
an age when humanity stands
between fear and awakening,
between old habits
and new understanding.
And we see in you
what we have come to trust:
Each generation
arrives carrying fresh light,
able to see solutions
we could not imagine.
So today, we do not wish
that life be easy for you.
Easy roads rarely lead
to beautiful destinations.
We wish instead that you:
Trust your inner compass.
Laugh often.
Stand up for those without voices.
Apologize quickly.
Forgive generously.
And never forget
that your worth was never earned—
it was given the moment you arrived.
Know this above all:
No matter how far you travel,
how many cities you call home,
how many lives you touch,
there will always be two people
quietly cheering your becoming,
astonished still
by the miracle
that calls us Mom and Dad.
Happy 21st birthday, son.
Go live the story
only you can tell.
No one can improve on what you wrote above, Andy Monheit. Happy Birthday, Mick!
Amen, Anne. Andy has a tremendous gift with words.
WOW ... great tribute.
Andy -
That is one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm sharing it far and wide.
Most days it’s wonderful to see photos by Mick. Today it’s wonderful to see photos of Mick.
Wonderfully said, Austin. Thank you
hbd uncle mick love you brother
happy birthday to the best photographer of his generation
Beautiful family! Happy Birthday, Mick!!🎉🎂⭐️
Thanks so much, Patsy
Awwww, these photos are priceless! Those girls sure do take after their beautiful Momma, don't you think?
Thanks so much, Diane.
Yes, they absolutely look like their mom.
Happy 21st birthday to Mick!!!
Happy 21st Birthday Mick! Time flies. Thank you for sharing your photography skills.
Amazing that he is 21! I prayed for him all that first scary week ... thank you, Jesus!
Kathy
Thanks, Kathy. Prayers answered.
Happy 21st Birthday Mick 🥳
Enjoy celebrating you
HBD Mick!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICK! 🎁🎂🎈🎊
You are magnificent parents. Happy birthday to all of you.
You are lucky to have your children!
Indeed, Jan. Thanks a million.
Sweet memory for a wonderful kid
Happy birthday, Mick. You're a gifted photographer!
Twenty-One Years Into the Light
Today we watch you cross
that invisible threshold—
not from boyhood to manhood,
but from inheritance
into authorship.
Twenty-one years ago
we held you, astonished,
as if the universe
had trusted us
with something far too precious
to belong to us at all.
And now here you stand—
taller than our memories,
steadier than our fears,
already walking roads
we cannot walk for you.
We have lived long enough
to know the world is noisy,
full of promises and alarms,
full of people who mistake speed for wisdom
and power for truth.
But we have also learned
what lasts:
Kindness outlives cleverness.
Integrity outlasts applause.
Curiosity opens doors
that force never can.
And love—quiet, stubborn love—
is the only wealth
that grows when given away.
You were born into a time
both turbulent and miraculous,
an age when humanity stands
between fear and awakening,
between old habits
and new understanding.
And we see in you
what we have come to trust:
Each generation
arrives carrying fresh light,
able to see solutions
we could not imagine.
So today, we do not wish
that life be easy for you.
Easy roads rarely lead
to beautiful destinations.
We wish instead that you:
Trust your inner compass.
Laugh often.
Stand up for those without voices.
Apologize quickly.
Forgive generously.
And never forget
that your worth was never earned—
it was given the moment you arrived.
Know this above all:
No matter how far you travel,
how many cities you call home,
how many lives you touch,
there will always be two people
quietly cheering your becoming,
astonished still
by the miracle
that calls us Mom and Dad.
Happy 21st birthday, son.
Go live the story
only you can tell.
No one can improve on what you wrote above, Andy Monheit. Happy Birthday, Mick!
Amen, Anne. Andy has a tremendous gift with words.
WOW ... great tribute.
Andy -
That is one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm sharing it far and wide.
Most days it’s wonderful to see photos by Mick. Today it’s wonderful to see photos of Mick.
Wonderfully said, Austin. Thank you
hbd uncle mick love you brother
happy birthday to the best photographer of his generation
Beautiful family! Happy Birthday, Mick!!🎉🎂⭐️
Thanks so much, Patsy
Awwww, these photos are priceless! Those girls sure do take after their beautiful Momma, don't you think?
Thanks so much, Diane.
Yes, they absolutely look like their mom.
Happy 21st birthday to Mick!!!
Happy 21st Birthday Mick! Time flies. Thank you for sharing your photography skills.
Amazing that he is 21! I prayed for him all that first scary week ... thank you, Jesus!
Kathy
Thanks, Kathy. Prayers answered.
Happy 21st Birthday Mick 🥳
Enjoy celebrating you
HBD Mick!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MICK! 🎁🎂🎈🎊
You are magnificent parents. Happy birthday to all of you.
You are lucky to have your children!
Indeed, Jan. Thanks a million.
Sweet memory for a wonderful kid
Happy birthday, Mick. You're a gifted photographer!