Dear Periwinkle,
You are six. How did that happen? How are you in first
grade? I hope you always face the world with the confidence you do now. Don’t
lose it, baby girl. The world may try to tell you that you have to, that girls
shouldn’t believe in themselves as much as you do, that you shouldn’t do
certain things because you are a girl. Just tell them to shove off, and do it
anyways.
We just finished your first trip to Disney, and though you
had moments where I wanted to pack you back up and send you home, you amazed me
with your bravery. Space Mountain? The intense Mission: Space? Seriously? You
are an adrenaline junkie ready to take on the world. Just stay safe while doing it.
And I was proud when your teacher told me that despite
missing four days, you were the only one in class raising their hand during
math class, and you got every answer right. You’re also doing fantastic at
reading these days. You are a smart cookie, and I hope you continue to be proud
of that fact. Don’t dim your brightness for anyone.
I do wish you’d stop instigating trouble, often with an
attempt to hide a smirk and an indignant “What? I didn’t mean to do that.”Or that you’d admit when you’re in the wrong instead of doubling down and
lashing out. But we’re working on that. Growing up is tough work.
I often forget that you are only six, just out of toddler
clothes. You speak with such authority and attitude, especially about baking and horses,
your two great obsessions these days. But then you believe with such passion
that Mickey and Minnie are real, and that Cinderella actually lives in that
castle, and that the Tooth Fairy really brought you all that money, and you are
a tiny girl again.
Stay little as long as you can, baby girl. I’m not ready for
you to stop believing.
Happy birthday!
Love,
Mama
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