Ode to Claire on Your 12th Birthday

My Dearest Claire Bear,

 Happy, Happy 12th Birthday!

 As I reflect over this past year, it is amazing to consider how extraordinary that it's been for you.

You embarked upon your 6th grade year at Saint Margaret Mary with a bang by recently becoming a first-degree black belt decided in taekwondo.  It has been a long-term goal that you've pushed for since third grade, and now that you're there, you're working to become an instructor.  The fun part is that your dad now also takes lessons, and he has to call you, Ms. Gering in class.  Ah, the joy.

 

This year also saw you try your hand at volleyball, and my goodness, what a run!  Your team was undefeated and won their division!  You had so much fun improving your skills and embracing what it means to be a part of a team. Go Spartans!

 

 

You also decided to run for Student Council, and became one of two representatives from your 6th grade class.  You and another member created a power point presentation of the areas for improvement within the school, and shared opportunities for change with the principal.  Listening to you practice your speech, and speak passionately about what you believe in was inspiring.

And when you're not doing homework, you're enjoying the SMM chess and quiz bowl teams, taking piano lessons, and filling orders for friends with the animals you crochet on the side.  They're so cute!

 

It's also been fun to see your love of reading soar as you, dad and Sam read the Percy Jackson series, share thoughts on the Narnia books, and exchange notes on the characters you love and why the story took an unexpected turn.

More than anything, what I see in you is an unmatched tenacity and love for living life.  You live on purpose almost always laughing, singing, dancing, listening to musicals, writing stories with friends, telling new jokes at dinner, or cracking us up with some crazy thing you've heard.

And through it all, we are infinitely blessed by your feisty, spicy, strong, fearless, unapologetic choice to live life on your terms.

In your last year before the official teens begin, I say, keep being you.  Stay firmly planted in your own agency.  Keep trusting in what you know is best for you.  Remain grounded in the things that you love without looking to the left or right of you, comparing yourself to what the others are doing.  Believe that your heart and gut will continue to guide you home.

And as you watch your older brother in his senior year and your sister in her sophomore, and you hear conversations about driving, curfews, and college selections, know that you're right where you're supposed to be--likely learning the good lessons from the places we struggle with the older ones--and that Sam and Kate love you to pieces, and are grateful to have you as their little sister to share time and giggles with.

 

 

In this new year, continue to cultivate your strength and your hopefulness. And keep growing and stretching yourself.  And when you do, goodness will continue to emerge.

We could not be more proud of you or love you more.  You're simply the best.

 

All my love from here to forever, 

xoxo, mom