Letter to My Daughter a Day Before her 13th Birthday
Today is the last day you will be 12. Tomorrow is your birthday, and you will turn 13 years old. You will officially say goodbye to your childhood and will be considered a teenager.
My firstborn. The baby girl that made me a mom. The one who taught me that it is possible to love unconditionally. The one that probably thinks I have helped you grow up, when actually you have helped me grow up too!
Everyday I am in awe of you, of your heart, of your humor, of your love for life and ability to excel at anything you put your mind to. In awe of how you are as a big sister, always nurturing and care-taking like a second mom, in awe of how much little sissy looks up to you and everything that you do. You are not the average teenager. You make your bed every morning without even being asked to, help cook meals for your sister (and proclaim you enjoy it!) and unload dishes/fold laundry/tidy up the house. My favorite thing you always ask when you see me juggling a lot on my plate in a flurry is ; “Mom is their anything I can help you with?” You’ve always had this caretaking nature at your core. You still haven’t outgrown cuddling up in bed with your mamma and even ask to share a bed sometimes in the night (although I may often argue your legs are too long and we don’t fit with the many directions you sleep lol) . You are always thoughtful of others and giving, you have THE biggest heart I’ve ever known. You are incredibly smart , determined and prefer the company of a good book over anything, most times even finish completely reading it in the same day. You are an exquisite dancer and express your love for life thru dancing and moving your body. It’s beautiful. You practice all hours of the day unconsciously and often compulsively, feeding that passion. I love this about you. You are sassy, spunky and feisty. Even though these qualities get you in trouble sometimes with me , I secretly love those parts of you. You don’t get pushed around and you are one tough cookie. You speak up when things aren’t right and you aren’t afraid to use your voice. You laugh at the little things.
Over the 13 years of being together- we have learned what makes each other crazy, what we love about each other, and how we handle trials & tribulations . My best advice to you in your years to come would be :
“ In love and in life, keep a good sense of humor. “ A sense of humor may be the best friend that you can have when the world isn’t working the way you would like it to.
Everyday I thank God for you. My wish for you, is that you see yourself the way I see you. The way many people see you. Completely loved and lovable, and valued, just the way you are.I am excited of the amazing woman I know you will become one day, and my heart swells with pride with the thought.
