I'm headed down to Oregon to pick you up, daughter. You've been gone for a week and a half spending super fun time with your aunties, grandma and sisters. I miss you like crazy and I know you're homesick, too. I love the pictures of your trip! Some on facebook, some in email. Just a couple months ago I remember talking to a friend's 12 year old who seemed so grown, so teen-like and thinking, "we're nowhere close to that. Must be because she's just turned 11. We have plenty of time before my little girl goes teenage."
As I look at the pictures and get email updates from grandma, I realize I'm wrong. We are on the edge. This is the summer everything is changing. Your "monthly visitor" has started and you've always been mature for your age. So I want to tell you some things.
You are amazing. You can be whomever, whatever you want to be. You're smart and funny, brilliant and creative, witty and beautiful. You're beginning to look like a young woman, though sometimes I still see you as about 4 years old, hanging onto the years. You're brave and strong, adventurous and fun. You are things I wish I was. Sometimes you're right and I'm wrong. Sometimes I hang on too tightly, but it's not because I don't trust you, I just love you so much. I would sacrifice everything I am to protect you forever from harm or hurt. I'm so incredibly proud of the young woman you are. I believe you could change the world. Your generous heart and love for others is inspiring. So again, you can be whomever, whatever you want!
However... If you just want to be little, you can. If you want to chase ducks and ride bikes, and not worry about shaving legs or makeup, you can! If you want snuggles, let's! I will kiss your face and call you boo boo as long as you'll let me. You are at a special time where you're a beautiful, capable young woman and still my sweet little girl. Enjoy this time of your life as it will be so many of your best memories. You can be whatever you want, my little love. I'm so immensely proud of you.
Love you forever, boo boo.
