Happy ThirTEEN!!

Happy birthday, Sophia! 

I cannot believe that you’re 13 today. I know you’re a bit in shock about the whole thing as well. I just want to say, “You’ve got this!” That’s what you most need to hear today and every day.

Of course you still need Dad and me, but you truly have a handle on this thing. You are

responsible, clever, and kind. You are generous and loyal and brave. Life doesn’t get

much easier than this, but in many ways it doesn’t get a lot harder either. And you’ve

got this. You are navigating responsibilities, relationships, and expectations with an open

heart, and that will pay off.

I am so proud of you every day. Grateful that you continue to be the remarkable girl

that you’ve been since the beginning. I looked back through my other letters to you,

and every bit is still true. When you were five, I said, “You make us smile, and you

challenge us to be more true to ourselves.” You continue to bring out the best in us, and
I still work to be worthy of being your mom. Guiding such a beautiful light 
through this world is a responsibility I take very seriously. Perfection is not an option, though 
I know you’d love to think otherwise.

Happy birthday, honey. I hope that you know how special you are! May the teenage

years be ones of love and grace and power for you.

Love you always,

Mom