I wish you could see yourself the way I see you. The way your freckles frame your beautiful face. The way you shrug your shoulders when you are unsure of yourself. The way your smile and laughter brightens up a room. You are a perfect reflection of love and all that is good in this world.
You are pure magic. You are the light of my life. Ever since you were placed upon my chest after birth, you have managed to fill up a huge place in my heart. I became a mom when you were born. I wouldn’t want to be anything else, for you bring more meaning and love into my life than I have ever known.
You may not know this, and I am sorry if you cannot comprehend how much you mean to me. It is difficult to put into words how the stars came down from the sky when you were born. They brought you to me, my shining special girl. You are so amazing, and you have no idea of your worth. Never doubt your worth, never let anyone put you down or make you feel less than you are.
You have been struggling with anxiety on and off for a few years. I know it has been difficult for you, and I would do anything to take these feelings away. You are only 10 years old and should not have to face such misfortune at such a young age. You should be living happily, frivolously and free of such adversity.
You are having a hard time adjusting to middle school and all the changes you are facing. You are no longer a small elementary school student. You now carry a heavy load of honors classes and much more responsibility. Recess is a thing of the past, and playtime is replaced with commitments and worry.
Your old friends are just a blur in the busy hallways, and new faces crowd the overwhelming corridors of your new life. You are trying to adjust, but your anxiety is holding you back. It clouds your brain, it tries to hold you back from all you are meant to accomplish.
But I have no doubt that you will overcome this difficult challenge and accomplish great things. Anxiety is tough, but you are not ashamed to admit you are struggling, you are not afraid to ask for help from the school counselor and from your after-school psychologist. You are the bravest girl I know, and I couldn’t be prouder of you.
You are putting yourself out there, you are climbing mountains and you are breaking down the walls that are holding you back. You keep fighting every single day, and you never give up. Though you leave the house in tears often, you come back better, stronger and more powerful than you have ever been. This will build your character, this will expand your ability to feel empathy for others.
I am in awe of our strength, your courage and your willingness to help others though you are struggling yourself.
You are the kind of person I admire. You are the kind of person I still aspire to be like.
Though you are still so young, you have such wisdom packed into your little soul, and enough love in you to change lives.
I know you will learn how to cope with your anxiety and live a wonderful, fulfilling life.
Never be ashamed of asking for help when you require it. Those who do are the most courageous people in the world.
I am so proud of you and always will be. From the moment I first saw you, you were my stars, you were my heaven on Earth, you were mine.
My sweet darling daughter, never forget you can face whatever life throws your way. Always keep trying, always be yourself, always stay kind.
I cannot be prouder of you, and I will always be in your corner.
Forever walking by your side. With each passing moonlight mile.
My sweet daughter, how I love you…
Kathy Soppet is a mom, poet, blogger, food allergy and chronic illness advocate who longs to make a difference and lives to be inspired. She is the creator of Nuts About My Son. Her work has appeared on The Mighty, Scary Mommy, MSN and Yahoo. She is a lifelong Rolling Stones fan, and in between her 19th and 20th nervous breakdown you can find her on Facebook/Instagram at Kathy Soppet, Writer or Twitter @kathy_soppet
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