I am having trouble wrapping my mind around the fact that you are starting the 10th grade.
I could say that it feels like it was a few months ago when you started kindergarten, and last week when you started middle school, and just yesterday when you walked into your high school as a freshman. Now, already, you are embarking on yet another school year, one that puts you closer to graduating. Time waits for no one, and I am a prime example of a mama who is all in her feelings because her baby is moving up that ladder that we call life.
Each year as you start school, I always write you a handwritten note the night before school starts to let you know how proud I am of you. I will do that once again this year, but I also wanted to add this letter because I want it to be a permanent reminder of what a wonderful and absolute joy you have been these 15 years. You have never caused me worry or been a problem, and you’ve risen to every challenge you have been faced. When you were younger and stuttered, you were constantly working with your speech therapist to have clearer speech. When you were having issues with math in middle school, you worked hard with a tutor so that you would get that A.
When you were faced with a problem, even at a young age, you worked to find a solution. And when you found one, you worked that solution.
We call you Little Miss Sunshine, still the one who always is smiling and does what she is told—most of the time.
You are the daughter I always wanted, and I am blessed to be your mama. I love seeing you grow and thrive and find yourself. I enjoy taking you on trips and showing you new things and new places, and how you soak up the energy while giving us plenty of memories that we can look back on.
As you begin your 10th grade year, I want you to know that I love you beyond words. I’ve done two amazing things in my life, and you are one of them. May you continue to shine and break barriers, and do wonderful things.
I want you to know that while you got all A’s every term last year, this year may be challenging with more Honors and AP classes. We do not expect you to have a perfect 4.0 GPA and the world will still turn if you get a B or C—a D however, and we are gonna have to have another discussion–LOL.
I want you to know that it is okay to try new things, be unsure, have bad days, be misunderstood, and not have the right answer. Continue to be fearless and set your own trail and trends—be a leader, and if you follow, follow the right people, people who will never make you feel bad or inferior, or have you do things that you have to question.
I want you to know that I am in complete awe of how you are so organized and so on top of everything without me having to stay on you. Your independence is what is going to be a benchmark to your success.
There are times when we aren’t going to get along—times where we are going to grind each others gears. But even through those not so warm and fuzzy moments, I will always be there for you, my favorite daughter.
Thank you for being one of the reasons why I can smile every day.
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