Last night, I dreamt you were a teenager. In my dream you were tall and, of course, beautiful, just as you are now. The strangest thing for me was that you spoke with an adult voice. It was surreal, and my mind boggled. When I awoke this morning, my heart was in a mild panic – where had the time gone?
Thankfully, after coffee and sneaking a peek at you dreamily cosied up in your Hello Kitty pyjamas, I realised it was just a dream. I await those teenage years with a sense of trepidation and excitement. I hope you are less confused than I was as a teenager, and I hope that you know, all the way through those tumultuous, hormone-driven years, that you are incredibly loved. I’ll support you when you decide you’d like to be an artist. I’ll support you when you decide you want to be an accountant. I’ll support you when you decide you’d like to be a teacher. I’ll support you in whatever dream you devise to live towards.
Life changes, constantly. You and I have been through some dramatic evolutions throughout your life. But, all of them, barring one event, have led to good. All of them, barring none, have cemented the love you and I have. The very special relationship that is strong and of which I am infinitely proud. We know each other, like no other. You know when I have had “a day”, and I know when something’s up with you, before you even open your mouth to speak. My mama love has grown, every day, just as you have grown every day. Your incredible sense of love for everyone around you has shone through, even when you have been hurt. You make me very, very proud.
Yesterday, when we were sorting through your piles and piles of “dress up” jewellery, you remarked that “this one, mama, this one”, is your favourite necklace. It’s simple necklace with three hearts. I asked why it was, and you reminded me that a very special friend of ours gave it to you. And then you said something that made my heart fly around the room with a smile. You said “mommy, there’s three hearts there, and you know, life is more fun with three of us”. Then you gave it to me and said,
“Mama, you wear it to work tomorrow. It’ll remind you of me and all of us, together”.
Dear, sweet, wonderful girl. You make my heart’s flowers bloom. Thank you for being who you are. Thank you for being so incredibly mine. I’m wearing your necklace today with pride.