Happy 16th Birthday, Maddie!

 Dear Maddie,

Today you are sixteen years old.  When I think about you as my daughter, I admit that my mind first pictures you at about the age of 3 or 4 – your hair all fluffy and floating in the breeze.  Your big gap-toothed smile and the sparkle in your eye.  Your tiny self, full of big enthusiasm for everything.  And your constant need to be hugged.  You are not this tiny girl anymore.  But when I remember who you once were I still see her in you. 

You are still one smart kid.  You don’t just get good (very very good) grades in school, but you also make wise choices.  When there are situations in life that require hard decisions, you really think it all through carefully.  Whether it be how to manage your time or a friendship issue, you take your time to fully process and look at all the options.  I love this about you.  I can see that God has given you a great gift of wisdom and discernment and it’s wonderful to celebrate that about you.

You are diligent and hardworking.  You made the switch this year to a new place of employment.  You got your dream job of working in a clothing retail store.  I can honestly say that you were made for this role.  So many times when shopping you give such good advice.  You are honest but also flattering when appropriate.  You have a wonderful eye for fashion and always dress nicely.  You take your work seriously and I think customers appreciate your attentiveness and gentle guidance.

That same diligence comes into play when we talk about you as an athlete.  You work hard at your sports.  You played volleyball again this year.  You’re very good at that because you fall down a lot (sorry, its true).  But you pop right back up with a smile and a laser focus.  You are also in soccer this year.  That was a bit of a surprise, but you wanted to be in a sport with some of your friends and you are giving in a whirl.  I’m not surprised to say you are doing a great job.  I knew you would put your heart and soul into working at it and learning it.  You have played goalie some and though it terrifies me you are absolutely fearless and aggressive and brave.  It’s fun to watch you play any sport, honestly.  You have a gentle easy joy when you play.  While you take it seriously, you don’t take it TOO seriously and you still have fun with it.  I love watching you play.

You are the middle child.  With a big sister you have watched her do all the things first.  Sometimes you have followed in her footsteps because she made wise choices that you could respect and imitate.  Sometimes you have gone your own way because you wanted to express your personality and gifting.  You are truly you – not a copy of Reagan – but a uniquely wonderful young lady who has her own likes and dislikes.  Of course you are also a big sister to Hunter.  The two of you are a party.  There’s just no other way to describe it.  You love him and dote on him and absolutely pester him to death.  I think he gives it right back to you.  There’s a lot of laughter on your part and a lot of yelling on his.  The two of you take ridiculous pictures together which he has forbidden me from sharing.  If we need a good laugh all we have to do is pull out your phone and look through your pictures and videos.  And yet, there is a deep love between all three of you.  I love the friendship that I see there.  You have dear dear friends for life in your siblings.  I hope you know how fiercely loved you are by them.

You take your faith seriously.  You seem to thoroughly enjoy reading, learning, growing in your faith.  I love the way you make your sermon notes a work of visual art.  I love that I can find you sitting at your desk or in your chair in your room doing your devotions.  I love the way you seek out those same deep-faith qualities in your friendships.  You are governed by a set of rules far above the ones that we have in our home.  And that is by your choice.  You live as a reflection of your Savior and it’s a beautiful thing to see.

You love to spend time with children.  You teach VBS and our preschool Sunday school class each year.  You genuinely enjoy putting together the lessons and leading the kids through the activities and stories.  You are so patient and gracious with them.  I don’t know what your future will hold, but any children in your life will be blessed by you.

There’s something about you that just lights up the room.  Is it your smile or your eyes or your personality?  Maybe all of those?  Maybe it’s just the way you are attentive and kind to others.  You draw people in.  You have so many friends.  You get along with people in all different circles.  And you are welcoming to others in such a wise way.  I love how you love others but also are mindful of guarding your heart.  It’s so difficult to balance vulnerability with carefulness.  But you seem to do it so well.  That is something I have always admired about you.

You still love pandas and squishmallows and jellycat stuffed animals.  You love chocolate and peach rings.  You love big acai bowls and bananas and fancy coffee drinks.  You love cute outfits, makeup and long hair.  You love being healthy and going for walks with friends.  You love the Great British Baking Show (kids edition) and movies.  You love your stuffed animals like they are real creatures and your siblings like they are best friends.  Overall – you just do that – you love. 

On your sixteenth birthday I hope you know just how loved you are in return.  You see, sixteen-year-old you is still that little girl full of sparkle and fun and humor and determination and tenderness.  You have this beautiful way of seeing people and what they are feeling.  And you don’t turn away from it.  You so gently come alongside those who are hurting or struggling and offer a peaceful presence and a quiet word of encouragement.  You’ve done that for me many times.  It isn’t something a parent really expects from their child.  But so many times you have seen when I am having a bad day (or a bad string of days) and you’ve offered your love and encouragement with a simple text or email or hug. 

I’m so proud of the woman you are becoming.  You are a gift to all of us.

I love you, Maddie Grace.

Always,

 

~Mom