A letter to my little girl on her 18th birthday

March 29, 2014

My dearest Bailey,

Well, it’s happened. You grew up. I never allowed myself to plan for this part – the part where you aren’t my little girl but instead a beautiful young woman ready to take on the world. I have told you a million times that you are the reason I was put on this planet. From the second I knew you, when you were the size of a little pea in my belly, you gave my life meaning. I was so excited for you.  I read 100 parenting books and bought everything pink and ruffled that crossed my path. Even during my pregnancy with you, I loved every unique little thing you did, like getting the hiccups every time I ate something spicy. I kept up with every milestone - you were the size of a lemon, then an eggplant, and then in a blink of an eye, you were here.

Ten perfect fingers, ten precious toes, 8 pounds ½ ounce of sweet, adorable, perfect love. I talked to you, snuggled with you and sang horribly off tune to you, which you loved, by the way. As a mom, I had no idea what to do and was totally winging it the whole time, but we were a family. It was you and me forever. You were the perfect baby, and I was so in love with you. You were my true gift from God and I haven’t taken one single minute with you for granted.

As my only biological child, you became the world’s greatest travel buddy, my little best friend and adventure partner.  Where I was scared of everything, you had no fear or limits. I would not trade this part of our story for anything. All of our talks, late night snuggle time, and even the tears brought us a unique closeness that I will always cherish.  I truly feel that, while we had a very nontraditional family structure, you and I are the lucky ones.  And when the time was right, God showed you the path to our future before He even revealed it to me. You were so instrumental in the creation of our new family, and to this day are the glue that binds everyone together.

Somehow we survived your teenage years with very few dramatic moments and a great deal of respect for each other.  I learned to give you space, and you rewarded me by making good choices and becoming a woman of grace, integrity and faith.  We share many of the same passions for social justice, the greater good and hope for a better world.  You know the value of being and doing good above all else, and your heart knows no selfishness or greed.  During these years, as with all the others, I want you to know that you have taught me as many life lessons as I have you.

High school has gone by far too quickly… a driver’s license, your first job and now, college plans.  I’m not sure how to slow it down, but I wish I could.  I have no doubt that you are ready for this world.  You are the smartest, most talented, goal-oriented woman I have ever known. You have a level head and faith that will carry you through any tough roads ahead.  You have always been mature beyond your years and I have complete confidence that you will conquer all this world throws at you with your normal grace, charm and wit.  Although I never did sell you on the virtues of closed dresser drawers, folded clothes, or a tidy room,  I feel secure in moving into our new relationship as a mother and her adult daughter. I want you to know that being your mom is truly the greatest blessing of my life.  I love you more than you could ever know, and certainly more than I could ever express with words. Thank you for these years, Bailey. They were everything I could have ever wanted. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you!

Thank you for making me a mom. I love you with all my heart!

Happy 18^th birthday!

All my love,

Mommy