A note from your mom on your 6th birthday

Dear Aubrey,

Today you turn 6… once again I say goodbye to a piece of your youthfulness as you turn one year older. No longer a “little kid,” you are growing up right before our eyes.

You are a bright, shining star — a force to be reckoned with. The gem you are was so visible to me within minutes of your birth, when you stared right up at me with your deeply curious eyes. It was clear to me when you were a baby that you were unique and powerful. Before you were 3 months old you already made eye contact with random people as we walked by, you insisted on actively engaging with the people around you, and even took your first steps when you were just 9 months old.

Not only have you always worked hard to keep up with your brother, who is 3 years older than you, you are up for the challenges and want to soak up the fun with whatever you are doing.

I thought, at age 4, you’d be fearful of zip-lining – but you stuck it out with your big brother and did the entire set of 11 lines.

I expected, this last winter, when we took you skiing for the first time, that you’d take several lessons and a couple of seasons to get it down, and by the second day you were riding on chair lifts and the instructor couldn’t stop raving about you.

In fact, everywhere you go, you seem to gain admirers – from children and adults alike. You ingratiate people with your engagement and curiosity, gain respect with your leadership and passion, and create joyful moments because of your excitement about life.

Today, I was reminded of this again – and it melted my heart – when I saw all your classmates come up and give you a hug after singing happy birthday to you.

You pursue writing and art diligently, wanting to express yourself, try new techniques, and share a new story constantly. The depth of your imagination fascinates me!

No one can know what the world has in store for you yet… But I do know that whatever you choose to do, wherever your passions take you, that you will always forge your own style and energy unto your pursuits.

 

Our job, as parents and friends who love you, is to continue holding you up and being here for you, as you chart your way in this world. We already know you will create energetically and dream big and pursue joy and live life fully. But no matter what turn life takes, and however we can, we will be here to love you all along the way.

At age 6, you will continue to cross the line back and forth between independence and wanting the comfort of your mom. Today you didn’t want me to watch the morning ceremony where your name would be called out for your birthday, but you welcomed my arrival in class with a hug to watch your birthday ceremony. I know that that balance will continue to change as you grow older.

I hope that you always know that I am your biggest fan, and will always support your dreams, no matter how wild and astounding they are – because I know that life has big things in store for you, my sweet girl. I am so proud to be your mom, I am so thankful for the gift I’ve been given in you.

May your life always be full of creativity, adventure & inspiration.

Love,

Mom