Ode to Kate on Her 14th Birthday

July 8, 2021

My Dearest Kate,

Happy, Happy 14th Birthday, Sweetheart!

This week, we are spending your special day on an epic adventure in South Dakota, and my goodness are we having a crazy time laughing, exploring, climbing, hiking, eating lots of ice cream, and enjoying all the beauty of the land while also enjoying all of the beauty that is you.

Here's you posing a stunning ballet move in Badlands National Park...

 And you hiking the morning away in Custer State Park with Sam and Claire...

 And you, feeding a sweet mule by the side of the road...

And, the best part is that there is still so much to come.

Let me begin by saying that I love every part of you.  When I think of you, I think of joy, kindness, a deep desire to root for the underdog and to do the right thing.  An incredible creative at heart.  A young woman who takes her time, is filled with intention, and deeply committed when she decides to pursue whatever her passion holds.

You are embarking upon an incredible season of excitement and adventure.  In a few short weeks, you will begin high school as a freshman at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart--where we believe is the place you were meant to grow, to stretch, to gain confidence, connection, and a deeper understanding of who you are and your purpose on this earth.

Since you were three years old, you've been dancing at the Omaha Academy of Ballet.  This summer, you're still dancing--four days a week--Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz, Improv, En Pointe...and it is hard and intense and technical and you are holding your own.

More than anything, I love that you are true to yourself and loyal to those you love.  You are committed to your own skin.  Even when you don't fully know what that means...you are willing to have hard conversations...to peel back the layers...to dive into uncharted territory and to explore the best version of you...and as a result of your candid commentary, we are all better.

You are smart...Holy Hell...I was never as proficient at literature, math, history, art and all the things as you are...and you sew...like real things...beautiful clothes and costumes and repair other items and draw self portraits that are incredible and time after time, blow others away.

I'm not sure that I have sound advice to give you as you embark upon these final four years of high school at home, except to say that I am here.  I know that now more than ever, you'll be away from me more than in the house...but know that I am here for any and all of it.  As you process what matters, who you believe you are and who you know that you are not, I am for you in every way.  You will always have an ear, an open heart, a shoulder, a pocket book (within reason-ha), and a mother who believes that the world is yours.

Keep trying on all of the shades of you.  Know that all of it is normal.  The shifting., reconfiguring, trying on again and again.  You are exactly where you are supposed to be.  And when you feel lost or stuck, I'm around the corner-cheering you on-knowing that sometimes, all it takes is time, experience, patience and the deep knowing that you are loved for exactly who you are.

Here's to your 14th year and all that it holds.  May God bless you, keep you, guide you, hold you and be with you always.

I could not love you more,

Love, Mama