Happy birthday, Sophia!
I so miss getting to wake you up on your birthday with a favorite treat and a big hug, but I know you're right where you belong! I'm glad you're open to long distance hugs now because I am sending a big one. Plus three kisses on top of your head. And another hug.
I am so proud of you. You know I burst with pride every day because I think you're awesome. And this year, you have blown me away. You've been through a great deal in your first year as an adult. Sometimes it seemed like it was just one thing right after another. But you have shouldered your way through it, gritted your teeth and managed to make the most of it. That is a skill that many people work their whole lives to learn. I'm sorry that you had reason to learn it this year, but you did and the work is paying off!
I'm so glad that you are letting a whole new group of people get to know you. Some things that I know they'll love about you - your loyalty, your insight and advice, your heart, your compassion when someone needs it, and your sense of humor and timing. I love those things about you, too. Also your hugs and your clever quips, which I suppose are your sense of humor, but I miss those a lot. Regardless, I'm glad that you're sharing those parts of yourself with a new group. It's brave and hopefully will prove to be worth the risk!
This next year is so full of possibility as you get to start pursuing your dreams. Even if those dreams morph and change into other types of dreams, this is the part where you get to imagine big things for your life and think about what matters. I think you're off to a great start because you already know that what's important is to be loved and known. You are doing your best to find that authentically, and that's incredibly inspiring. We see the efforts you're making and recognize how hard you're working.
This next year is so full of possibility as you get to start pursuing your dreams. Even if those dreams morph and change into other types of dreams, this is the part where you get to imagine big things for your life and think about what matters. I think you're off to a great start because you already know that what's important is to be loved and known. You are doing your best to find that authentically, and that's incredibly inspiring. We see the efforts you're making and recognize how hard you're working.
I will cherish every moment we get to spend together this year, and in the times we aren't physically present, we will have thousands of texts, many phone calls and lots of reels. Thanks for always bringing a smile to my face. You are my favorite person, and that doesn't change with distance.
We celebrate you today, Sophia. All of us who are in your orbit count ourselves lucky to know you. I hope you feel celebrated and so very loved. I love you so much, Sweetie. Have an absolutely wonderful day of celebration. You deserve it!!!
Love,
Mom
