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To My Dearest Marlowe,
Today you are ELEVEN! And what a triumph of a year it has been. Being front row this year to the early stages of your Transformation and Becoming has been such an honor. You had so many long-awaited “Firsts” this past year that had previously intimidated you. You not only met those challenges, but you thrived within them. You have become a shockingly hard worker in a way that inspires me every day. You hold yourself to the standard you want to see in others, too. Your teachers always tell me what a ball of warm light you are, and that still makes me prouder than any accolade you could ever earn. At eleven, you are still our sweetest girl, the beacon of light and warmth in our family…and at the same time, some other edges and intricacies have begun to form– those indications of stepping into your own character and identity as a young woman.
These years that straddle childhood and womanhood are so tender. I remember them myself, of living through them. There are so many question marks, blind faith, frustrations, panic, guilt, power, purpose, the thrill of everything there stretched ahead of you. I watch you and realize every day how well suited you are to these years of discovery. You are so smart and beautiful. You are bursting full of love– for the world as much as for the people and animals you hold dear. You’ve never met a creature that wasn’t drawn to you– butterflies and birds have been landing on you since birth, and finding a safe resting spot there. And so you are with people, too. You are so attuned to every emotion and dynamic in the environments around you, and you feel so deeply when the people you love are experiencing something. I love the way you share your world with me at night when I’m tucking you in. There are so many parts of our relationship that usher in a beautiful new page for our family, and I’m grateful to be building that era with you…for you to continue on with the life you create into adulthood. Thank you for trusting me with your thoughts, wishes, and fears- I promise to do my best always to be a judgment-free sounding board for you, to push myself to be the healthiest version of myself in order to receive the healthiest version of YOU, and to remind you of all that you deserve in this world. Because you really do deserve it all, my love.
Besides adoring you to your core, your brothers both consider you their closest friend and biggest confidante. The vibes of our family would never be the same without you– you are the glue that binds and heals, and when I see your brothers sulk off to find YOU for some comfort after getting into trouble with one of their parents, I can’t help but smile. What’s really surprised me this year, though, is what an intuitive, wise, and kind friend you’ve turned into for ME, your old Mom! You’re so generous in how you offer your support to me in all I do outside the home, in my struggles or triumphs with work, and in your love and appreciation for me as your Mother. It is something that is so uniquely beautiful about you, and it’s something I notice every single time you extend it to me. I don’t think many 11 year old girls verbally offer their thanks for the dinner in front of them every time it’s on the table, or chime in unprompted with words of appreciation after a particularly nice outing or family trip. You notice all the nice things other people do for you, and it makes me so proud. The things you remember to follow up on, the humor you bring to tough situations, and the genuine care and support you wrap me in is so wise beyond your years and something I absolutely treasure. I would find you as a friend in any lifetime, and I am truly blessed to have you as a daughter in this one.
Dream big, my angel girl!! I will always be here right beside you. I can’t wait to see what this year ahead brings! Happiest 11, and now let’s celebrate!
xoxo Mama
