It’s our birthday! Congratulations on making 20 trips around the sun! Can you believe it? Only yesterday I was tackling you for stealing my stuffed animals and hitting you over the head with them—good times.
In the past two decades we have grown side by side. In recent years we’ve spent more time apart than together, but you have always been and always will be my first best friend.
Together we've learned so much:
Like, how to hug and smile.
Together we remind each other that no one is ever too old for swings—ever.
We’ve collected nicknames like potato, sweet potato, pop tart, corn pop, bran muffin, and sugar plum. Obviously we have become true aficionados of breakfast food.
I have taught you to love the soul-stirring stylings of Jason Mraz, and we have learned that he is even more soulful and stirring live in concert.
With you by my side I've learned that photo booths, fake mustaches, and big ol’ glasses go hand in hand like, well, you and me.
As I look ahead to what the next 20 years will hold for us I see us passing many milestones--together and apart, working hard, finding love, and taking advantage of everything life is worth. I’d be a very naïve 20 year old if I thought the next chapter of our lives would occur without any bumps in the road; so, as you begin your own incredible journey into adulthood I want you to carry with you the following birthday wishes:
I wish for you to find work that is honest. The kind of work that leaves you tired at night, but that inspires you in the morning to rise without moaning
I wish for you to remember that you are brave in the moments when you feel weakest
I wish for you to find the kind of love that makes you feel strong and safe in the same instance, and reminds that you are known, needed, and valued
I wish for you to reach the understanding that beauty and value are not synonyms for one another nor should one definition suffice as the house rule. You are not valuable because you are beautiful, you are valuable because you are human, and you are beautiful because you are a creation of God. Do not let the world persuade you otherwise.
I wish that as you grow up you don’t leave your childhood behind. Always look at the world with wonder and every new day as a chance to play; play often
I wish for you to discover the joy of knowing that home is not one place, but many places. Home is anywhere you can find love, rest, warm food and the comfort in knowing you can fart without judgment.
I wish that you make it a priority to travel. You have a wild, adventurous spirit. Do not let the illusionary constructs of a “successful” life tame it.
I wish for you to be aware of your health at every dimension. We are only given one body—use yours well.
I wish for you to remember that there is no shame in an active mind. Explore and challenge what you think you know. Dig deep into long held truths, and treat graciously those things you would normally approach with skepticism.
I wish that even as we grow apart we continue to grow together.
I wish that as you move into these next 20 years you do not tread carefully, but begin with a splash and proceed boldly. And never, ever give up. I mean it.
I wish for you many, many things, but at the end of the day I really only wish for your happiness.
I’ve written a lot here already, much of which may be forgotten as you soon as you hit that little red “x” at the top of the screen, so if you remember anything from what I’ve written please remember this: I know best as anyone that our first 20 years have had their low points, up hill struggles, and confusing phases, but please—I beg you—do not let what you perceive to be the sum of your mistakes define who you are and what you do in your next 20 years, because, the truth is, you have never actually made a mistake you have only afforded yourself opportunities to gain enlightenment. Use that knowledge well.
I love you forever and always,
Michelle