July 8, 2022
My Dearest Kate,
Happy, Happy 15th Birthday!
It is so incredible to think that 15-years ago, God gave you to us to be a part of our family. And what a gift you are!
There are so many things that are remarkable about who you are, but in particular this past year has been amazing to be a part of your journey.
You completed your first year of high school at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart and crushed it! Between theater, archery, speech, crazy hard classes, work study and so much more--you made new friends, explored creative parts of yourself and excelled along the way.
From the first to the last day of Freshman year, it was an honor to watch you grow, challenge yourself and strive to be the best version of you.
Speaking of which, this year, saw you soar in your commitment to dance--between ballet, en pointe, lyrical and modern...you found your way into the Omaha Dance Project and back on stage for your first in-person recital in 3-years. All so magnificent to witness as I'm reminded of when you were a little ballerina and wanted to be like the big girls.
One of the highlights of this past year, was the journey we all took to begin the college selection process with Sam. We explored Evanston, Chicago, Lake Forest, Norfield, St. Paul, MN and while we were there, I watched you light up. Seeing you explore buildings, program offerings, campus spaces--it was extraordinary. On the heels of your brother's choice, you will soon be doing the same, and it is clear that you are more than ready for the new adventure.
One of the pieces of you that has always amazed dad and I is your incredible gift of creativity--your ability to sew, paint, draw, design, repurpose, and bring an idea to life. Whether behind the scenes in crew for Duchesne's production of "Little Women," designing and sewing from scratch a character for Comicon, making a homemade mushroom Halloween costume or drawing and painting your self portrait. You are talented.
And then, this year, unleashed the power of making your own money via babysitting and holy cow, between your own checking account and the ease of Venmo, you have found a way to sustain your purchases from craft stores by playing games, making mac and cheese, and facilitating endless bouts of hide and seek with other people's kiddos...and they love you! You've gone from babysitting your little sister--to helping lots of other families.
So, here's the thing, Kate...I know from watching your big brother that these last few years in high school are going to fly. Soon, you'll get your learner's permit and then, once you start driving, you'll be just as independent as he is. And the thing is, I'll miss you, just as much as I miss him--but I won't be able to help witnessing you soar.
As you embark upon the goodness of your 15th year, continue to do what brings you joy. Garner inspiration, design, journal, draw, spend time with friends, go to Kitaki, keep shooting arrows in archery and aiming for the bulls eye, curse when you want to, read science fiction, joke with your dad, play Magic with your brother, listen to podcasts, soak up all that this beautiful life has to offer.
And if you start to worry or wonder or feel wobbly--you've always got a safe space to land--right here, right now, forever. I'm always rooting for you, hoping for you, believing in you--trusting that God has big plans for your one magical life that we are so lucky to be a part of.
Here's to all that this new year has to offer. We could not be more proud of you...
All my love,
Mom
