For My Daughter, My Friend

Although the days have passed that I can scoop you up close and keep you from danger, I will always protect you. Today, as you turn Sweet 16, I am proud of the young lady you have become. Beautiful, spirited, intelligent and loving; I am honored to be your mom. I celebrate the beauty of your spirit, your talent, your unique qualities that make you my friend. My daughter.

I marvel at the ease with witch you navigate through a challenge, a problem solver; a critical thinker. No academic challenge has proven too much for you, as your work ethic is exemplary. I stand in awe as you captivate an audience with your smile and the gift that God has given you. I encourage you to keep reaching for every star. Please remember I will be there every step of the way to help you achieve your dreams.

I watch as your friends gravitate towards your positive energy like a magnet while popularity is laid at your feet. Thank you for realizing that popularity really means nothing, except to you allow you to interact with all kinds of different people and that each one has something to teach us.

Thank you for trusting that I know best. I know that the time is coming sooner rather than later, that you will make all of your own decisions, but for now, chances are I've been there and I've done that. Life lessons aren't always easy, but they are necessary. I'm sorry for the mistakes that I have made that have affected you. I would never want you to suffer pain because of my inadequacies, but remember that these challenges will only make you stronger and that your mom is only human.

Today, when you get your permit to drive, please remember that operating a motor vehicle is a serious responsibility. Never forget that or take for granted the fact that because you master almost every challenge that is placed before you with ease, you've got this one. That's some seriously precious cargo you're carrying around in that car and it looks like my days of worry have just begun. NEVER TEXT AND DRIVE. Period. We'll make a pact together.

Today, I celebrate the fact that God graced me with your presence 16 years ago at 11:58 pm. All 6 lbs. 7 oz of you, and my life would never be the same. How little I understood what it meant to be complete till you came into my world. In the most natural way, once I looked at you I understood and from that day on I was complete. My life's work, you are, and I couldn't be prouder.

My daughter, my friend.....My whole world. I love you more than anything.

Happy 16th birthday, baby!

You will always be that little girl cradled in her mom's arms, in my eyes.