To My Daughter on her 16th Birthday

Dear Princess,

Today you are sixteen years old – this is a huge milestone. In fact, I debated for awhile: Is this the birthday where I give her all of these years worth of birthday letters? I started thinking, you see… I realized that all along I have been thinking I’d give each of you girls your letters on your 18th birthday. Recently it hit me that your 18th birthday will also be just a few days after you graduate from high school. Seems an awful lot of emotion all at once… but, I think that’s the way it’ll be.

Every year seems to go by faster. As I type this, you are days from the last day of your sophomore year of high school. You’re a good student and you nearly have a 4.0 (Honors Chem is the only thing standing between you and that 4.0 you want so badly – you have busted your tail in this class this year… and you hate it). You’ve loved Honors Choir and you’ve had a few opportunities to shine on the stage this year, in choir and in the musical. I always love to see you perform.

It’s been a difficult year for you, I know. You started last summer recovering from an injury that left you more behind than you wanted to be approaching the gymnastics season. And after recovering from that, you injured your back. Though you started the competition season as planned, pain made it difficult to practice and the few meets didn’t go as well as you hoped. It was a tough decision but I think it was wise when you decided to take the rest of the season off, focus on physical therapy and on healing. I hate that I didn’t realize sooner that it wasn’t getting better – but a trip to the sports med doctor this spring gave us a clear plan. A bone scan identified stress reactions along your spine. Apparently these are common in hyperextension injuries… hyperextension is pretty much gymnastics, so… You’re in a back brace for another week or two, mooooooooore physical therapy, and then – we’ll see? It’s made for a complicated perspective on gym – for now, you’ve been sitting out because you are benched from activity. I like having you home and selfishly I love not driving all over the place all of the time. Gymnastics has been good for you, but it’s been pretty great having you around the house, too.

Tomorrow, we’ll go get your driver’s license. You took the test on Friday and passed. In fact, the woman testing you said that she doesn’t see scores like yours very often. I felt so proud of you! You are a great driver. I know you were nervous about the test, but you rocked it. I can’t believe you’ll be able to drive – by yourself! I’m a little nervous, because that’s what I do.

You are insanely funny – witty, sarcastic, and you have an edge to your humor. You make me laugh daily.

You are also empathetic, kind, and encouraging.

This year, you participated in your first walkout. You raised your voice for change in a protest against gun violence. You were and are a fierce and outspoken advocate for change. Even when it’s not easy.

This year, your outspoken nature brought about a valuable life lesson: There will be those who are uncomfortable when you speak out; speak out anyway. It is not your job to make people comfortable. It’s your job to live your truth, and be the best person you can be. Your friends – your true friends – will want that for you.

So – two years of high school left. I’m already super emotional about it. But each year, I get more excited for you and the things you are going to do in this world. I have confidence that no matter what direction you choose to fly, you will soar.

Sixteen years ago tonight, I held you in my arms. And today, we celebrate you and the joy you bring to our lives daily.

I love you so very much and I’m very lucky to be your momma.

Happy birthday. <3

Love,

Mom

About sarah

Sarah is a book nerd, a music lover, an endorphin junkie, a coffee addict. Oh, and a goof ball. She writes, she tweets, and she sings off key.

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