My Daughter, You’re Now A Young Lady

My daughter, you have grown right into a most beautiful young lady. Full of sparkling energy and the air of someone wiser than her years, you are, also, loaded with just a pinch too much sass. I envy you for that, actually. Even with my years, I still have a shadow of shy reservation following me, snubbing out my own twinkle, more often than not. It’s a wonderful combination that will do great things for you, if you continue to use those almighty powerful brains of yours. If you do, you’ll have a competitive edge in the game of life.

I can only hope that I will be able to fill my duties painstakingly, build you up to be the best You that you can ever be. I can see that shadow of mine trying to creep in, trying to dim your sparkle, when, instead, you could be shining under the spotlight. It is my resolve to give you the necessary tools you will need to shine bright without hesitation, learning how to hold back that shadow trying to creep in and  Your bucket of self-worth will be overflowing by the time I send you off to face the world alone. Every passing day it seems, that you go on and prove to me again and again, just how close that bucket is to being full already. For that, you should be ever so proud and feel pleased with yourself. So many girls in your generation will never know how much they are truly worth from the inside out. Those girls lack a mama who will enlighten them, teaching them to believe in the 6 B’s: Books Before Boys and Brains Before Beauty.

There’s a delicate softness inside of you, my dear child. Just underneath the superficial layer of ostentatious dramatics you wear with conviction, there’s an open-minded, warm-hearted, tenderness that draws people to you, like a magnet. Especially, those who need extra emotional TLC. This gift will take years for you to come to terms with and accept. It may feel like a curse right now while you are still so young and inexperienced, because your maturity and wisdom are rapidly developing, more than I’m ever ready for. The scope of your sophistication doesn’t reach beyond what is contained to your own childhood, unable to fully comprehend the needs of those that flock around you. One day, I do promise, your ability to nurture those in need, will eventually open your world up bigger than you’ve ever dreamt it could, before. I’ve never known a girl who loves to love just as much as I do. Once you cultivate and refine your sensitivity for the needs of others, your love will become explosive and limitless.

That softer side of you also hides a fierce, but, vehemently unseasoned protector of all those in her flock and family without hesitation or questioning. You’ll stand up for anyone under attack, ready to defend the goodness in everyone until your last breath, yet, you won’t hesitate to call someone out for a wrongdoing of their own. There’s something about you when you’re upset over a grave injustice which stirs up just enough crazy with your passion, that makes you a bit intimidating. It takes less than 3 seconds to send you into a tizzy that can cause hairs on my head to bypass gray and skip straight to 90 year old woman white. Yet, you will be the first one to befriend the enemy, calling a truce, making peace, and offering a helping hand so they don’t feel threatened by life any longer. Hugs flow aplenty when you’re around! Even your teacher says there’s never been such an overabundance of hugs from just one student in her First Grade classroom, before she had you for a student this year. When you cry, it comes straight from the depths of your heart, your sobs shaking the very foundation upon which our house lies. That nurturing nature you’re developing, is ready to lift up everyone who’s fallen down and hug away the pain, regardless of what happened to land them there. Many adults will never have that in them, yet you do so young still. That’s something that should make you feel spectacularly special, my love. Just like I do about you.

Your childhood is over the halfway point now and it’s going to begin winding down now as you begin to inch closer towards your teenage years. In fact, I can already see the beginning signs of your coming maturation taking affect. It is increasingly important for you, now more than ever, to pay close attention to all the knowledge that I’m trying to teach you about the ways of this world. These lessons are irreplaceable and priceless in building up your confidence and self-esteem until they’re overflowing from your bucket, and they will be invaluable tools in coping with and solving the problems of the real world. For someone of your age, your intelligence level continually astonishes me and worries me about keeping your head on straight further on down the road. When your iron will is challenged, the facetiousness of your forthcoming argument keeps me on my toes, otherwise you’d be dancing across me wearing those two-inch heels and glamour girl makeup I specifically forbid from ending up on your body before you’re old enough to vote. These next few years are a time to take in everything I have to give you, so you’re fully prepared to take on the world one small baby step towards leaving the nest at a time.

My beautiful, beautiful girl. This mom cannot believe that you are that same newborn who was so content laying back and taking it all in. Where you once were happy with just being near your family, now you’re only content when the show revolves around you. It is my wish for you to stay this true to yourself throughout the rest of your life. Take all that I am giving you and follow your heart, the rest of life will fall into place on its own. Just don’t ever stop sharing your love, don’t close your heart or your mind, and don’t doubt these words I write to you. With all that you are, you can fight any good fight that comes your way, and rise above. Love yourself before you let others in to steal your heart away, or you’ll find yourself lost and empty feeling, looking for that love everywhere but within your own self. I know if you take heed, life will be a wondrous adventure for you and you’ll find the strength to make your dreams a reality.

The day you were born, changed my life forever. You, my sweet Baby Bean, brought a light into my world that altered my vision and dreams forever. You have given me a gift just by being here, being my daughter, and I’m so grateful and appreciative to have been chosen to receive that gift that is you. Know that I will always be here, your lighthouse in the harbor, guiding your way with the love for you that flows unconditionally, and once you ship off, setting sail for the freedom of your own course in life, you will always be able to turn home again, finding your way safely back to my open arms. I love you, my baby girl. My young lady. Be who you are meant to be- always more, but nothing less. At least, always remember the sing-song words you so often torture your brother’s with: