To My Girl on Her Birthday,
Eleven years ago at 9:42 you came rushing into our lives to change them forever. I could write today about how amazing you’ve turned out to be. I could tell you I sit in admiration nearly every day at your poise, confidence and ability to make other people feel good when they’re in your presence. I could tell you how proud I am that you’re never afraid to try new things like auditions, or red-carpet interviews, or soccer. I could say that if I was eleven, I would wish to be your friend.
I could tell you that as your mom (who is decidedly not eleven) I can’t wait until you are old enough that we can be friends, because I think that will be a beautiful relationship. I could tell you that in the meantime, I’m quite enjoying the relationship we do have; you make me laugh, you make me think, you make me desire, every single day, to be a better person so that I deserve your attention and praise. I could tell you all these things you beautiful girl, but I’m feeling a bit nostalgic today. So instead of telling you what I think now, let’s look at all that you did then. (Before digital cameras and fancy editing software. You’re old, little girl!)
You made me a mom, and even though I wasn’t very good at it for a while, you hung in there and waited for me to figure it out.
You made this guy a dad.You melted his heart. You wrapped him around your little finger and you, from day one, challenged him to grow into the remarkable man he has become. You made him a dad and we all benefitted from that.
You survived mama’s push toward finishing her Master’s (the first one) and then you celebrated with me when we made it!
You were patient with me as I fought PPD. Your love is what made it worth it. Your joy is what made it happen.
You showed us what it felt like to love in a way we didn’t know possible. You came into this world and instantly made it a better place. Eleven years later, it’s just more of the same.
We Adore you, Baby Girl, more and more every year.
Love,
Mom
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