Since you were little, you have had a strong sense of self. You knew who you were. I love this about you. You are kind, open, loving, and talented.
I love to hear you sing. From pink piggy tails to charlie brown kite song to Adele - hearing you sing is one of my greatest joys. You have a great ear and you feel the music. Each song fills me with happiness.
I know sometimes you tire of me photographing your every move but I am a photojournalist and using my camera is one way I communicate. Documenting you has been a pleasure. Your spirit eeks thru every photo, your eyes dance. Capturing your spirit reinforces my belief in life force. I will always be taking pictures of you and your friends - so do not protest. I promise I will share them with you and you can post them on instagram.
It warms my heart when you tell your friends I am a great cook. Thanks for eating my food and for feeding my soul.
I am sorry that work takes up so much of my time. As an entrepreneur I often have to give more time than a regular job. But it also means I have more control of the overall life I lead. When you were young, I built my company and raised you side by side. I'd work all day until I picked you up from school - then from 3-8 PM I was your Mom. After I put you to bed, I'd often work til midnight finishing up my work. It was not always easy, but I would not trade it for anything. Getting to be with you every day and pick you up at the bus stop, doing homework, making dinner. If I had a regular job, those tasks would have been parceled off to a babysitter.
I admire your grit. You also have so much grace. Ease with your body, spirit and self. I love watching this in school, on stage, when you dance, when you sing. Your grace calms and inspires me.
I admire your self control. You have always had a good sense of healthy food and make great choices every day. You also understand your need for sleep and take responsibility for your healthy sleep habits. I will never forget when Stasi's Dad told me that in the middle of a movie at a sleepover, you got up and and said you were tired and went to bed. Always take care of yourself. Take sleep when you need it. Feed yourself. Keep your basic needs in check and there is no limit to what you will achieve in this lifetime.
I am so proud of the fact that you share easily. You love your stuff and have no problem giving it to someone else who may want it. This will help you tremedously in life. Sharing is a hard lesson and you already act with such grace in your sharing. You will make a great partner and a great parent because you know how to share.
Be BRAVE. I love that ever since you were little, you are willing to go outside your comfort zone and do things, In trapeze you were at the front of the line, wanting to go first. You encourage others to be brave. When a fellow trapezer (a 20 something woman) was unsure, you imparted your experience and wisdom - relaying to her that she could climb the ladder and make the leap. I hope that you will continue to try new things and be first in line always.
I know you will travel far and wide and that your instinct and intuition will keep you safe and sound. I worry about the world, but I know. I know that with Daddy and me as your parents, you will travel- so I will be brave when you do and I ask that you do whatever you can to be safe and sound.
Be a good friend. Try not to gossip about anyone. Be a good friend to boys. Know that they are experiencing the same blast of hormones (x100) and that they can be sensitive and need a friend too.
Keep your self in tact and do not let anyone violate your self or your body in any way that you are umcomfortable with. If you are unsure, do not act.
PROMISE ME, you will not do anything you don't want just because other are doing it. Promise me that you will not compromise what you stand for or who you are. Not for a boy, a friend, a teacher, a stranger, or for us.
We love who you are .
Enjoy this time in your life. I am so very proud of you. I love being your Mom and I am so excited to watch you continue to evolve. You are spectacular and I love you.
