She missed her father and her animal friends. Tears pooled in the corner of her eyes and threatened to fall. It made her eyes sparkle but she blinked them away.
"I would like to thank my family for making this day possible, my Grandparents, Daddy Ibarra, and Aunt Nelida." She looked at them with a gentle smile. Then she closed her eyes.
"Daddy, thank you for planning ahead and designing this beautiful tiara for me. Perhaps you have foreseen beforehand that I will have a grand celebration for my coming of age." She paused again. 'I missed you terribly.'
She turned to the man who had been standing by her side. "Marx, thank you for the dress and the necklace that I am wearing tonight and for the many gifts that you have generously given to me."