My baby girl is now an adult. You have grown into the most beautiful human – far more than I ever dreamed you could be.
When I sit down to write about all the things that you have accomplished and all the ways that you have grown this year, I’m speechless. You have climbed some huge mountains and, no pun intended, planted your flag at the peak!
Putting you on a plane by yourself to spend 3 months away from me was one of the hardest things I’ve done. Selfishly, I would have loved for us to have one last summer of pool days, dance nationals, back-to-school shopping, and binge-watching of Gilmore Girls. But, instead, you took on the biggest challenge of your life and I couldn’t be more proud.
This year, you grew in ways that I never could have imagined. You became the performer I always knew you could be – first and foremost. You proved your independence and responsibility over and over again. You are so ready for college – you are absolutely going to thrive!!!
You are still the funny, quick-witted girl you’ve always been. In Kindergarten, your superlative at the end of the year was “The Jolly Joker.” That is still you – all these years later. You have the biggest smile in the room, a laugh that is contagious, and are so silly. I can just think about you and smile.
I’m hanging on every second that I have left with you at home. Our house will be so quiet next year without you running up and down the stairs or singing in the shower. You’ve been tied to my hip for 18 years – my clone, my mini-Stephanie, my baby – I wouldn’t change one single thing about who you are!
Happy birthday, Curly Girly! I’ll love you forever.
Mom
PS – you’re no longer a minor LOL. The drum corps world is rejoicing with you right now!
