Ode to Kate on Your 12th Birthday

July 8, 2019

My Dearest Kate,

Happy, Happy 12th Birthday!

I can hardly believe that this is your last year before officially becoming a teenager.  How is that possible?

In so, so many ways you are extraordinary--and watching you grow has been the greatest gift.

First and foremost, I don't think I know a more creative individual.

Whether it's the Art Fair at school or art class, you are constantly working with different mediums to paint, sculpt, draw, or design something that brings joy into the world.

But I have to say that this year, you blew all of our minds, when you decided to take an entire year to sew the perfect costume for Comic Con.  You had a vision to bring "Orphea, Heir of Raven Court" to life.  And that you did, sewing an entire costume, building a coffin with purple lights, securing prescription blood lust contacts, locating the best classic platinum blonde wig, and tricking out a pair of Good Will shoes--you truly embodied the part.

Fellow Cosplayers asked to take pictures with you, and for a few hours, you felt like a star.

But that's who've you've always been.  Since you were a little girl, you've been dancing your way into the hearts of everyone who crosses your path.  And it's hard, because in many ways, I still think of you as that little ballerina.

The one who flits around the studio humming and singing, loving just to be in tights and slippers.  But the truth is that you're a serious dancer.  This year will mark nine that you've been dancing and performing at the Omaha Academy of Ballet.  And as such, you'll find yourself dancing 4 nights a week doing ballet (and soon to be on pointe), jazz, and modern dance.  And then, you'll be dancing on the weekend, landing a special part in the Omaha Dance Project.  You're not so little anymore.

Which takes my breath away when I consider that this fall, you will be in 7th grade.  How is that even possible?  And, as a full-fledged middle schooler, you will head to school at o'dark thirty to take advanced math, and continue your service as an altar server, and stay late to be on the Speech team--which has become one of your new passions.

Still, by far and away, my favorite part is watching you voraciously read story book after story book, devouring characters, plot, and the love of language.  You still enjoy participating in the summer reading program and ticking off those hours.

When you're not reading, you're feverishly working on your business--Kate's Customized Dolls.  You take old dolls and repaint their faces, create stylish hair, sew new clothes, and work to sell them at local shops like Legends--our neighborhood Comic Book Coffee House.

To be honest, you inspire me to be present--to sink deeply into the moment, to reach for the exceptional and to be brave when it comes to sharing all of me with the world.  You've never been afraid to be Kate.  You have a quiet inner strength that says, "here I am--all of me--let's get to know each other and create beauty," and that is such a magical gift.

Thank you for sharing your gift of beauty and love with all you meet.  Thank you for being willing to lend your hand and your heart to everyone you encounter.  Thank you for leaving the world and people more beautiful than you found them.  Thank you for saving every love note, your daddy and I ever wrote you from your lunches and for reminding us that the only reason we are here is to love.

As you embark upon this new year, remember a few things.  The world can be cruel and unfair--but you can choose to share your vulnerability, even if others are afraid to share theirs.  Running for the Student Council and not getting elected is okay, because knowing that you have something to say and a way to make things better for others is what really counts.  There's nothing wrong with having only one really good friend.  Making one person feel that they matter is enough.  Sometimes, it can be hard to share a bedroom with your 8-year old sister, when all you really want is to cry or laugh or watch YouTube videos without an onlooker, but knowing how to share your space and your life with someone you love, will make you better.

Never forget that you have a voice and you have a purpose.  Share your unique "you" with everyone.  Being different is an absolute gift.  Embrace that.  Own it.  Relish it.  There is only one Kate and she is a beautiful, vibrant, whole, joy-filled, imperfect, and exactly enough in every way young woman.  Here's to being 12 and all that it has to offer you and the world.

Thank you for letting us share in your journey.

We love you to the moon and back,

Mama, Papa, Sam and Claire
xoxoxoxoxo