When Your Daughter Turns Sixteen

This young woman, who used to be my little girl, who before that was my baby...

managed to turn my world upside down.

And not for reasons that might come to mind when associated with the word "teenager".
But rather...
Because she's taught me so much.

I've learned that quiet can lead as effectively as loud,

and watch as people, and when available, chickens, are drawn to her.

She knows that a good hootenanny with her sister is time well spent.

And that it is still fun to twirl until you get so dizzy you can hardly stand.

And then she always has the wisdom to sit.

She has shown us that sometimes it just makes sense to do things 

differently than every one else.

Even if you need to sit down to take that stand.

I've watched as she continues to try and attain new heights in everything she does.

And I no longer worry, as she's proven to us again and again, 

that the bigger the jump... the greater the bounce.

I love that at sixteen she has maintained the heart of her younger self.
She is keeping the child within, close at hand.
And so I get to see glimpses of my little girl... who before that was my baby.

We love to see her sense of humour and love that she can laugh at herself... right along with us : )

She has taught me to accept, even when I don't understand why,  people do what they do.

And when things get a little rocky...

She works hard and continues to work on, even when life gives her a heavy load.

Yet she has the wisdom to let loose and let her hair down, when the time is right.

When your daughter turns sixteen...

You can't help but worry.

You can no longer fix the problems on the playground like you once did.

But here at sixteen, I can see this young woman, 

who used to be my little girl, who before that was my baby...

has the wisdom to work things out on her own.

You see...

She relies on her smarts.

Yet acts with her heart.

She is a girl who knows not to count her chicks before they hatch.

And that life is much easier to maneuver when wearing a smile.

She has found her inner geek,

and isn't afraid to show the world.

She owns it, and I love her for it.

This young woman, who used to be my little girl, who before that was my baby...

Is sixteen today.

And I couldn't be more proud of who she has become.

Love you Eldest with all my heart.
Happy Birthday.

xoxo,