Nine

Sweet Pea,

How did a year go by so fast? Today you are nine. A fourth grader. Your last year in elementary school.

A year that will go by so quickly. A year of endings and beginnings.

I am starting to see glimpses of who you will be. Your sweetness. Your independence. How you don't need to hold my hand all the time when we cross the street. Yet you still come to me at bedtime, asking if I can read to you.

Which I am happy to do. And my heart spills over every time you ask.

There are days when I ask you not to grow up. To stay as you are. But that isn't fair for me to ask. Just as your sister is breaking new ground, testing new boundaries, I hold on to your younger years, because I know that when you move on, we won't see those days again.

A year of firsts and lasts. Your last year in elementary school. We just had your last Harvest Parade and party. Soon, it will be your last holiday party, your last Special Persons Day concert, your last day of school. But these are firsts for you. And that's what we celebrate.

So each morning, I will spend that hour, just us, waking you, helping you with your breakfast, combing your hair, watching you play with the dogs before the bus comes. Carefree, light-hearted, laughing and giggling. Pure joy. And celebrate that day with you.

Enjoy being nine. I love the girl you are, and the girl you are becoming. Be sweet, be free.

And please pick up your clothes and put them in the hamper. Because my hope is that's the last time I'll have to ask you.

I love you - happy birthday!

Love,
Mom