Happy Birthday, Princess!

My Dearest Sweet Pea,

I chose this picture because it makes me think that you might be feeling this way right now. The view is "fuzzy"... you just spent 4 years of your life preparing for graduation from college and you are at this standstill. Unsure of where you are going, worried about where you will end up. (And it didn't help that you asked for career advice and I turned all mother on you)

But here's the truth. The fuzzy view will always be there. And that's a good thing. When things are absolutely clear, they are boring -- and here's another thing....when things are clear, you can see too much of the ugly in the world. Not that I am telling you to wear your rose colored glasses -- but it's ok to feel a little fuzzy. It's means you will never settle. It means that you know you haven't arrived just because some university took your $20,000 and gave you a piece of paper with your full name printed on it. It means that you are striving and will always strive to get a "better picture". It means that you have choices. When my grandmother was much, much younger than you, she had a VERY clear view of her life. She knew exactly what she would be doing until the day she died. YOU, on the other hand, get to create your life. You are the author of your book. Enjoy writing it!

You are 22 on August 9th. I can't believe I have a 22 year old daughter. The minute I found out I was pregnant with you I felt this fierce protectiveness. I knew it was my job to make things good and right for you. I even imagined you as a grown-up -- I was realistic enough to know that you would abandon me ... er, I mean move out and into your own life one day. I still want to protect you. I want to keep you from pain and hardship and heartache. That will never, ever go away. But I know I can't keep you from the fuzzy view. But you must remember this: although the view is fuzzy - the crystal clear fact is that I love you and am proud of you. I think you are the bravest, smartest, most beautiful, warm, nurturing, funny, respectful, caring, fantastic creature that ever came from my body 22 years ago. Happy Birthday, Baby Girl.