Today you are twelve years old. Twelve years that have flown by too fast, leaving me reflecting back on the blur that was your first tooth, your first steps, your first dance, your first plane ride… all of those special firsts that will forever be part of my memory.

I don’t know if there’s a way I can begin to explain how special these years have been to me, how special you are to me. I am proud to see you become a young lady.
You are smart and curious and wise.
You asked 100 questions a day about things. “Mommy, where does the sun go?” “Mommy, how many years until you turn 50?” “Mommy, what letter comes after the letter ‘N’?” “Mommy, what’s 3 plus 4?”
I love how you want to know as much as you can know. I love how you want to love and be loved. I love how you care about your sisters and your cousins. I love how you actually look into my eyes and say to me, “Mom, thank you for losing weight to be healthy for us.”
To the world you may be seen as an adult but to me you will always be my baby, my little girl, a beautiful young lady.
I love you more than anything in this world. I’m so lucky to have you.
But I think what I love most about you is the way you make me feel. You make me feel like a million bucks when you run into my arms and yell out excitedly, “Mommy, Mommy.” You are truly one of the most spectacular things to happen to me. I look forward to the many experiences we will encounter together.
I wanted to be the very best mother that had ever been or ever will be. I wanted to be the woman that will teach you everything.
You may not always agree with every decision I make. I know someday that you will be put in a position to make choices. You have your own life to create. Some of those choices will be good, others will be bad. You should have enough confidence and wisdom to respect the choices you make, that will build your character and will make who you are.
It’s ok to make mistakes. We learn from mistakes and that makes us better people. Never hesitate to come to me. I won’t protect you from the consequences of your choices, but I will always be there to help you to handle them.
Above all, never close the doors of communication. I also want to thank you. Thank you for being the most perfect daughter a parent could ask for.
Happy 12th birthday, and welcome to a new chapter in your life.
Your mom