Another year,
another birthday, another annual letter from me. Yeah, I know: I’m so embarrassing.
But while they may mean nothing to you – at least not right now – they mean a
lot to me. And I remain hopeful that one day you will read these letters and
appreciate these little snapshots of your speedy passage through childhood.
“Speed” is the
operative word. Everything you do is done at a full-on sprint, eyes front,
striving towards an imaginary finishing line. I just want to catch those little
moments in time so that when, one day, you want to glance backwards, you see
your younger self as more than a blur of motion. Wait…..did I say speed?! You are so slow, bless! Only being speedy if
it is something you want to do, otherwise we can anticipate some dragging.
Especially when it comes time to get ready for bed.
Your continuing love
of dogs. Makeup (in the house only). Dressing up. Friend drama. Endless hours
of YouTube. (You do realize your WI-FI phone isn’t surgically attached to your
hand, right?) Aerie leggings. Nikes.
You’re a proper
girly girl, with all the things that come with it. Racing through your pre-teen
years: 11 going on 21. Loving every minute of it. Beware to anyone who stands
in your way.
I don’t know how
long this period will last. You’re growing up so fast and you’re fiercely
independent. But, you’re also the girl who still wants me right by her side as
well. We will call this a FORCE…..imbalanced of course. You’re still the girl
who sings along with me in the car, who asks me to test her on math problems
when we’re out for a walk together, and who still talks to me about (almost)
anything and everything.
That girl will
disappear one day. I know it will be sooner rather than later. I’m amazed it
hasn’t happened already. But as much as I can’t wait for you to grow – can we
just bypass the moody teenage years?
You’re less overt
about it than your brother, but there is a sharp brain inside that head of
yours. You pick up on subtle nuances of expression brilliantly...reading people
and situations constantly. Observant beyond measure and that will take you so
far in life!
I thought you were beautiful
the day you were born and that hasn’t changed one bit. You are smart, brave,
kind – well, maybe not always to your brother – sassy and you see life as one
big opportunity to stamp your mark on an unsuspecting world. Most of all you
are you – all you, all the time (and then some).
Happy 11th
Birthday sweet girl!! We love you
always!
