Dear Izzy,
Happy 15th birthday! I say it every year, but I can’t believe it! Time is going by too quickly. It feels like yesterday we were celebrating your third birthday with a tea party or your tenth with a sleepover. This weekend we will celebrate with family brunch and a Morgan Wallen concert!
This week you started high school, and I am so excited for you. You are going to be challenged and endless opportunities are going to be at your fingertips over the next four years. You are playing JV field hockey and got voted team captain. And I love that you and Alex have back to back classes with the same teacher for Computer Science and you get to see each other during the day.
We went on some great trips this year. Key West for New Year’s, Universal Studios for President’s weekend, college tours with Alex for Spring break, and the beach. After the lacrosse season ended we headed to the beach for a month. I loved spending time with you at our favorite place.
As much as I miss that little curly-haired girl, I love watching you as you grow into a beautiful young woman. You have become more independent and reserved. Your reserved nature makes you introspective, thoughtful, and you tend to sit back and observe the world around you before putting yourself out there. Maybe you are a little shy and maybe you are scared of being hurt by others, but know that everyone in this world would be lucky to have you shine your beautiful light on them.
I know this time of your life is a time of learning, change, and a quest for freedom. As your mom, I will try to respect your need to pave your own way. But believe it or not, there will be times when you will need guidance and advice, so know that I’m always here for you. There is nothing in this world you can’t tell me. I will be here for you cheering you on and encouraging you for all of your life. No matter how old you get, you will always be my sunshine, my best girl.
I love you,
Mom
