To My Mona Lisa,

You look like me. You act like me. Actually? Nah! You act so much more BETTER than me. Actually? Nah! That’s not acting you’re doing. The truth is that you ARE so much better than me. You’re the me I wish I could have been when I was your age. So many people say that I’m the “strong one” in this family. Nah! There aren’t that many people who really know the extent of what you’ve had to survive, but sufficed to say that you’re power, grace, beauty, and strength put mine to shame.

Happy 18th birthday, Gia! You are a truly amazing young woman who as an adult today, I’m thankful to now be able to officially call my truest and dearest friend. It’s been my utmost and greatest privilege raising both you and your brother and having up close and personal seats to watch who you’re both becoming. I know for a fact that being your mom is what I was meant to do, and yes, you truly are one of the brightest diamonds in my tiara.

Oh, and in case I forget to tell you later, I’ve had a REALLY EPIC time so far getting to be your mom! I’m so excited for this next Sunlit open chapter of you running your race with no reins.

~ Mama

… meanwhile, I thought about being an emotional disaster today, until, that is, I received this most powerful reminder from oldest “truest and dearest friend” who I met at around age 11 in the sixth grade. This is what she said:

Hugs to you, Momma, on Gia’s 18th birthday! I know you’re emotional about it, but know that you have raised 2 amazing people! Y’all have been through a lot, but you survived together because you taught them (and they taught you) how to be strong. They’re never really grown, and they always need Momma. Even when it’s mostly you calling them, they’re secretly glad you do! You might be all out of babies, but now it’s your turn to rest a little and do all the things you want to before the grandbabies come!

With that, yes, it’s true! My babies will never be grown … they’ll always need their momma … and I’m not going anywhere but with them for as long as the ride allows!