today is your birthday and you are 17

I remember the day you were born

we went into the hospital on a sunny warm fall day

and you arrived to snowfall

a  fitting bit of magic.

on that day

I suddenly was no longer an average girl

I became a superhero

a nurturer

a provider

a protector

a warrior

an emotional heap

a strong girl, a loving girl, a good mom

you made me look so good at a job I was so new at

I had no previous experience and you taught me everything I know

the spectacular person you are  and have always been – I was somehow given credit for and yet you came to me this way

you smiled and laughed and sang every day

making the world a better place

leading with kindness and love.

You are my baby

the one who introduced me to my best work

motherhood

and my best self.

Happy Birthday, my big little girl

The world is so lucky to have you.

It is not that I am trying to make you cry – but if you want a good one click here for my post called growing pains (it is actually one of my favourite posts) about that hard thing we all have to do- hold on and let go- with those we love