Ode to Kate on Your 15th Birthday

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

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