Right Now You Are Perfect
A note to my daughter…
Happy 12th birthday, honey! Today friends and family will celebrate you and the beautiful person you are.
This morning we were snuggling and you said half asleep, “Mom, I do not tell you this enough, but thank you.” I am reminded on so many occasion what a special person you are.
I still remember when you were born. It was an unusually warm May…the tulips were in full bloom…I remember thunderstorms. You graced the world at 1 pm on Monday, May 4th, 2009…just a day after our first wedding anniversary…you were a bit of a sweet surprise. You were a small (but perfect) little thing (even at full-term) weighing 6 lbs and 13 ounces. You were born with blue eyes and dark curly hair (that would eventually turn blonde). I recall we started calling you our little bear in the hospital…a nickname of endearment…we still call you bear today…we call you our brave bear.
Like most parents., we wish only the best for you. We hope for happiness and love. We pray you find peace in your journey and people along the way that will love and accept you just as you are. Chase all your dreams without reservation or fear…be sure to extend gratitude to all who help you along the way. Never take anyone for granted. Remember to say “thank you”. Do something bigger than you…put others first and give back where you can. You are a kind soul…you always have been…never lose this wonderful quality. As simple as it may be, it just might be your super power in our world today. I still remember the little duckling that got its head stuck in a chain link fence at the San Diego zoo. To this day you are still so proud of helping that little duckling…and you should be. I hope you continue to do good and be good….for yourself…and others.
Today dreams might feel like they have changed or feel far away. I know, honey…I know. This week (your birthday week) you have gene testing, hormone testing, a physical, bloodwork, vital check, two sessions of counseling, a neuropsychological exam and EEG. Gratefully these tests and appointments are much less invasive than those of the past. I guess we should be thankful for that…but it is okay to be sad/mad too. I know I am sometimes.
We will get past all of this…you are our brave bear. And when I say “get past”…I recognize it may be something we live with, but I have all the confidence we will figure out “how” to live with it…and not just live, but flourish and grow. I believe in my heart-of-hearts that you were chosen by angels to be bigger than you are. When you believe all things happen for a reason and have faith in this idea, it does make things easier…so I believe…I hope you do too. Before we know it, you will be talking about prom (gosh, help us!), high school graduation and adventures you will embark on. I have all the confidence you will be as amazing as you are today.
I need you to know…I need you to believe with all your heart…that right now you are perfect. Regardless if we understand or will ever understand why you are taking the road less traveled, you are who you are meant to be and I am confident your journey will be beautiful. I need you to be brave and have confidence there is a plan for you much bigger than most. When days or moments are hard…”believe”…it is my birthday wish for you. Never lose sight of who you are and believe in who you are meant to be.
Love you, bear,
Mom
