Happy 17th Birthday!

Dear Katherine,

It is so hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that you are turning seventeen. I still picture you as the toddler who loved to run errands with me after your mornings at pre-school and so soon you will be driving yourself wherever you want to go. I think I write a version of this sentence every year but it’s true- while you have always been an old soul, you have also always been my baby so these concepts are in constant conflict with each other.

You celebrated your past few birthday’s during a pandemic so this year has felt especially fun- no drive-by celebrations or cancellation concerns in sight. And these past twelve months have also felt like ones full of milestones and growth.

Last June, Dad and I dropped you off in NYC for a month long musical theatre intensive fully expecting to come in and take you out for dinners or for nights at home if you needed a break from city life. But no- you took to the city and to your independence completely. You cooked, did laundry and navigated the subway system like someone who had been on her own forever. I suppose I was naive to think you would do anything else. You have always been a strong and independent girl able to think through challenges and problem solve like someone far past your age.

And then this fall, the college trips began. I loved spending time with you and visiting both familiar and unfamiliar cities, all with the thought- is this somewhere that Katherine will live one day soon? Your artistry has continued to grow as your commitment to dance and theatre has only gotten stronger over the years and I trust that you are going to have some amazing choices to make next year. I can’t wait to learn where this next chapter will take you!

Always, in your birthday notes, I am compelled to write about your friendships. You have surrounded yourself with some truly incredible humans and I know their love for you is a reflection of what a good friend you are to each of them. I couldn’t be more proud of how your relationships have only strengthened this year as you have deepened existing friendships while continuing to meet new friends to love. The giggles that I hear when you all are together are some of my favorite sounds. And just this past week, you spent a few days with Caroline in Richmond, reminding me how lucky we are to have raised girls who are not only sisters but also friends.

Here’s to another twelve months of amazing memories!

I love you so much sweet girl and Happy 17th!

xo,

Mom

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