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Today's the day! You, my sweet, beautiful, intelligent, witty, kind-hearted, bonus daughter have reached your 18th birthday. It's hard to believe that I have now known you for half of your life, and I feel so blessed to have been able to watch you grow into the beautiful woman you are today.
I will never forget the first time I met you. I am not sure if you remember, but you were in the 4th grade and came to my house after a school day for a sleepover. You were so sweet and shy, and told me stories about your family and riding horses in Minnesota. That night when we watched movies, Bailey snuggled up on one side of me and you snuggled up on the other, completely stealing my heart. The next few years were filled with sleepovers with Bailey, late night trips to HEB for snacks, volleyball games, competitive cheer, Sea World trips, and a million great memories. I kept olives in my refrigerator just for you, and you became a normal part of our daily lives. I loved you before I even met your daddy, which I believe is a special gift and makes us such a unique family.
When your dad and I started dating, you were so gracious in sharing him, not only with me but also with Bailey. When you dad married me, the mom of one of your closest friends, it seemed like we were living the script of a Disney sitcom. Everyone who hears our story responds the same way: "They are so lucky! It's like the girls are having a sleepover every night." And it was. Your dad and I laughed at the fact that you and Bailey slept in the same room all the time. We didn't know which bedroom to look in first, but we knew we would find y'all together. The memories of those first months will stay with me forever, from the monster that lived in the fireplace to us girls binge watching Vampire Diaries and everything in between.
As time went on, you taught me how to be your stepmother, allowing me to learn and forgiving me when I stumbled. There is so much I admire about you: your strength, resourcefulness, creativity, style, determination, attention to detail, and so much more. I have no doubt that you'll achieve any goal that you set, and as we prepare for graduation and college in the next few months, I can't wait to watch you carve your place in this world. You will make Texas Tech a better place simply by being there, and while leaving you there may be one of the hardest things we've ever done, I know you are going to have the time of your life (and study a lot, too!)
I just wanted to say thank you for bringing such joy, laughter and love into my life. I love you to the moon and back and I am so blessed to be your stepmomma. Happy birthday, sweet girl!
Love,
Diedra
