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.
