Happy Birthday, Happiness

I return to this completely ignored space to acknowledge my daughter's 20th birthday.  

Darling Daughter,

When you became a teenager, your pediatrician said "we just have to get her through adolescence." That is probably a standard line said to every parent of a 12 or 13 year old but for you it became our mantra.

Because you have pretty much been a 20 year old since you were 4 years old.

You have spent a chunk of your life with some people who didn't get you.  You were too tall, too loud, too sensitive, too everything.  But really it was that folks weren't ready for you. Could not fathom all that you were when you were young. Were not ready for your fabulous presence when you walked into a room, for your smarts when you pointed out something brilliant, for your insistence that people be kind, for your gushing commitment to friends, family and our dog. Lord you love our dog.

Now I get to sit back and marvel at you.  The hard part for me is over.  We got you through adolescence. You get to be you with joyous abandon. Welcome to your 20's.

Happy Birthday darling you.

I love you,
Mom