"Family and friends - it is with mixed feelings that I face being forty.
Some have come to dread the "F" word - but I say - Bring it on - bring them all on!
Fantastic describes how wonderful it is to share my fortieth birthday with all of you,
Footprints, you have left in my heart as we have journeyed Forward together,
Firm our friendships and family ties have always stood -
Friction - yes at times - but inevitably they were soon forgotten and forgiven.
And as I look back on the thirty nine years already gone,
I appreciate the happy times and the lessons I've learned...
Frontiers to conquer and fulfil - there have been many -
Foundations were firm and ever-present to guide and lead me,
Fiasco's and failure - well, those somehow I found a-plenty along the way,
Flawed choices I've made - some I'll always regret and some I'll forgive.
Finally, at forty, it seems that some insight is gradually dawning...
And as I look to the future and forward, perhaps I need to say:
Foresight, I now have to live a life far less frenetic,
Finesse when dealing with people's feelings will do no harm - I'll strive to remember that!
Forthright and honest - it is a good path to tread while
Fostering Love and fellowship - it's an ideal to aspire to.
Now, as I make my way through the next ten years,
Allow me to fantasize- a fabulous future - for sure!
Fifty, faithful and foolhardy, without a doubt I'm going to be -
Surrounded by family and friends who loves me."
http://www.find-the-words.com/40th-birthday-speech.html
