birthday wishes ...

Dear Dizzle,

Dizzle, one week old ...

Dizzle, on the eve of her 8th birthday ...

Eight years ago, you entered my world and I instantly realized how little I knew about love and sacrifice and what really matters. Everyday I am given the opportunity to love more than I ever imagined, sacrifice more than I ever thought I could and surround myself with the people, not the things, that make life worth living. I am given this chance everyday because you are in my life.

It would be easy to sugarcoat it and say that every moment since your birth has been magical, that with everyday I have been the perfect parent and you, the perfect child. The thing is, that would be a boldfaced lie. I am not perfect. I yell. I throw tantrums. I fumble. I fall. Sometimes, I get so lost that it's not clear who is the adult in our relationship.

And I'm sorry.

I'm sorry for all those moments. I'm sorry for forgetting that you're just a kid. And I'm sorry for treating you with less than 100% respect. I am your example and I should give it my all, every minute of every day.

Over the past eight years, you have given me a fair share of trouble. From food fights in your toddler years to fashion fights now, you've always managed to make yourself heard. You've never caved or accepted that you should be anyone less than exactly who you want to be. You are stubborn and passionate to a fault - a fault that I love.

My daughter, I have cherished every single second of the past eight years and I look forward to all we have in store. I know we will face numerous challenges, but the moments of bliss will outweigh any negativity life can throw our way. We both need to remember that.

Dizzle, today, on your 8th birthday, I have a wish (or a few wishes) for you.

• I wish that you'll never forget who you are and who you want to be. People will try to sway and discourage you. Don't let them. Belief in self will get you far in life.
• I wish that you never believe that you're too cool to hold my hand or kiss me goodbye. You never know when it will be your last chance to do so, so don't let a fear of embarrassment hold you back.
• I wish that you could always have faith that things will work out for the best. Just because things don't look great now, doesn't mean that it will stay that way. Everything happens for a reason. Trust that life will give you an explanation when you are ready to receive it.

My love, I could never express what you mean to me and I wish you endless happiness, not only today, but for all of your days. Dizzle, I love you to infinity and beyond, forever and ever. Happy birthday!

Love,
Mom