fifteen...

My sweet B,

15! How is that even possible? (I know I'm so cliche and say this every year, but damn time is going so fast) Each year this letter gets harder and harder to write, not because I don't have lots to say but because it gets harder and harder to put into words what I want you to know. 

This year...wow how do you put this crazy cluster of a year into words? This last year started off with the hopes of so many exciting events and milestones and ended with quarantine and cancellation of so many things we had all been long looking forward to. You have made the best of these disappointments (maybe even better than I did) but it was hard to not be able to finish out the school year with your graduation and all the fun that was supposed to come with that. Spring softball also didn't happen and it was heartbreaking to not be able to play a final game (well, a final game that you were actually aware would be your final game) with your Thunder teammates who over the last three years have become family. Even though the spring was filled with uncertainty and disappointment, you...in true B fashion made the best of it. You helped (ok spearheaded) the cleaning and purging of almost every room in this house, we played lots of family games and had many movie nights, we tried to make the best of the time we had together (and it was a LOT of time). Thankfully you were able to play your first year of high school softball. While it was a shortened season, it made my heart happy to see you out on that field doing what you love and having a little bit of normalcy back in all of our lives. 

So here we are, coming to the end of summer and the start of a new school year only a week and a half away. Things are still not "normal",  we are heading into this with lots of uncertainty, everything changes almost daily. In a time where what we crave is some structure...there is none, we have to be able to roll with the punches and be flexible. Good thing you are pretty good at that. You handle changes with a grace well beyond your years, you show appreciation for the little things and a kindness that makes this mama so proud. 

So, as you head into this next year, I hope you continue to make the world a better place with your smile, silliness and kind, loving heart. I hope you continue to work hard through all the bumps and disappointments, as dad always says "your hard work may not pay off in the way you want or expect it to, but it will always pay off". I hope your year is filled with laughter and fun memories, even though things may not look the way you thought they would this year. I hope you continue to be exactly who you are. You make us so damn proud all the time. 

15 years ago you forever changed me for the better. You are one of the greatest joys of my life. I love you more than words can say.

Happy Birthday Sweet B.

Love always,

Mother Amber 😉