Dear Liberty,
You are 12! How are you 12? They say time is a thief, and I feel it so strongly with this birthday. 12 for girls is a time of big changes, your “last year” of true childhood before becoming a teenager, and all the things that come along with that. Of the three of you, change is the most difficult for you, and this is a year that will be full of change. But, change that I know your determination, curiosity, and strength will see you through. And I’ll be right here beside you.
Twelve years ago, I held you in my arms for the first time and thanked Mal for sending me my girl. Now I am thinking of today, and tomorrow, and this year, and six years from now when you’re an adult. Here you are in the middle of growing up and finding yourself, and you are doing a remarkable job.
You are smart, funny, responsible, driven, determined, talented, creative, kind-hearted, and beautiful. You are everything I could have ever dared ask for and more. You are fierce, when you want to do something, you do it. But you are tender and loyal, family means so much to you. There are times when I catch a glimpse of who you will be when you’re older, and you are you, and that is everything. I am so proud of you.
I’m proud of you when I see you get up, get ready for school, make your lists, and get it all done. I’m proud when your teachers tell me how much they enjoy you. I’m proud when you make french toast, cookies, and pasta. I’m proud when you unexpectedly clean the table or vacuum. I’m proud when you struggle through a harp song and keep working until you get it. I’m proud when you make up a new game to play with Adleigh or when I find you in a corner reading. And I’m proud when you do nothing at all, when you just are. You bring so much light into our world, in the big moments, and in the small moments too.
You and Adleigh continue to be your best friends, I’ve never seen two sisters so close! Your bond is such a huge testament to YOU and the amazing big sister you are. You always look out for Adleigh, encourage her, and include her. You are there for her gymnastics meets, to build forts, to create make believe (peep) worlds, you even lay out her shower stuff for her when you get your shower first. May the coming years only find you drawing closer together. The teen years can be tough with heartbreaks, drama, and just the angst and struggles of growing up. It’s such a rare gift to have the unwavering love you share with your sister, protect it.
You were incredible as always in school this year: straight A’s, near perfect SoL scores, taking advanced math, near perfect attendance. You continued to play in the harp group. You joined the cast of Christmas Carol at Williamsburg Players and sang beautifully in the ensemble and as a “Shelly Child”. As I write this you are at Seussical practice with Stage Lights. You continue to push through your anxiety with the same determination I saw when you taught yourself to ride a bike. That doesn’t come without tears and exhaustion, but you are always so proud of yourself when you can overcome any challenges in your way. I’m glad you have learned to take time to rest and recharge, as you prepare for another challenge. And the coming year will likely be full of them as you begin a transition into school. You want to attend high school full time, so attending electives at JBMS next year is a great step in achieving this goal. It will be hard, there will be tears, but there will also be a lot to be proud of, and we will always be behind you!
Don’t let the high expectations you set for yourself and the sneaky demon of perfectionism consume you. You don’t need to prove yourself by getting straight As or filling a shelf full of medals. If time is a thief, as Teddy Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Your worth is not defined by academic or athletic achievements. You are you, and that is everything.
There is nothing you can do or say that would make me love you any less. There is no mistake you could make that you would need to hide from me. There is nothing so terrible that it can’t be fixed. There is no achievement you need to reach to make me more proud of you. There is no path you need to take to please me. When you were born, our world rebooted, and my heart grew more, for you. My love is not and will never be conditional. I will always have your back. I will be here cheering you on. You will wobble, you might fall, but you will get back up, and we will always be here to help you. I love you more than I can express. Happy Birthday my sweet girl!
Me and Lou, and Lou and me, so happy together!!!
Love,
Mom