Megan Again: Not Teen Mom, Mom Of Teen

Megan Again: Not Teen Mom, Mom Of Teen
​By Megan Wirts

I am officially the mother of a teenager.

My oldest small person, who isn’t quite so small anymore, turns 13 years old today. I thought I would mark this momentous occasion with a letter to her on this special day.
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Dear Sweet Girl on your 13th Birthday,

When you were born, I was awestruck. You had your daddy’s eyes, jet black hair and the lowest, raspiest and sweetest sounding cry that I had ever heard. You were this tiny human being that I was given the great and amazing privilege of loving for the rest of my life, and I have loved you from the start.

I hope you know how much your daddy and I absolutely adore you, but in case you don’t, I’m going to tell you. You are ...​

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...a bright light that shines in this world and anyone that knows you is lucky to know you. I love how you don’t hold back when you laugh or are excited about something. You let the joy that exudes from you pour out so freely and openly, that anyone in your presence can’t help but join in. I may joke sometimes and yell, “Stop expressing your joy!” and that will only cause you to laugh louder and harder and I just love it.

Let your light shine and your voice be heard sweet girl. Never apologize for being who you are because you are amazing.

I love your kind and gentle heart. You care so deeply about other humans and all living creatures. Your dreams and hopes all include helping others in some way and that just makes my heart sing. You are going to change the world sweet girl and I can’t wait to see it.

I love that you share your life with me. Not just living in my house and eating my food sharing of life, but you tell me things and I love that. You share with me your hopes, your dreams and your fears. I hope you always want to tell me things. I know there will come a time when you won’t want to tell me everything, but I hope you will want to tell me the important things.

I will always be here to listen to you. When you want it, I will gladly give you advice. When you don’t, I will just listen and be there for you. Oh who am I kidding, I will give you unsolicited advice many times throughout your life. I’m doing it right now. I’m not perfect, but I will respect your decision when you don’t take my sage and wise advice. That is your choice and I will try not to say I told you so, but I might think it. Like, I said, not perfect.

Speaking of being perfect…I need to tell you that nobody is perfect, not even your parents. We have all made mistakes along the way or made a choice that didn’t turn out to be the best. You are going to make mistakes and no matter how incredible I think you are, humans are not perfect and that is okay. Do not beat yourself up about it! Your mistakes do not define you, how you react to them does say a lot about your character though.

Own up, learn, move on and hopefully don’t make the same ones twice. You might though, and that’s okay too, sometimes it takes people a few times to get things right. Forgiving yourself is sometimes harder than forgiving others, so be kind to yourself and know that you are never alone. I love you no matter what sweet girl.

You are so talented, driven and passionate and it makes me incredibly proud. I hope you continue that drive throughout your entire life. Do what you love sweet girl and I will always be your biggest fan and your loudest cheerleader. You might get embarrassed because of it and if I get to be too much, I will try to rein it in. I can’t make any promises though, I will always unapologetically cheer you on no matter what. Letting people love you loudly is never something to be embarrassed about, it’s a gift and I hope you will love just as loudly back.

I may look at you and say, “My BAAAABBYYY!” while pretending to wail and I may tell you how much I miss your tiny squishy baby face and your itty-bitty toes, but as much as I want you to stay little I also can’t wait to see where life takes you. Just don’t grow up too fast and don’t lose your sense of wonder and curiosity. Ask questions and seek answers. Continue to express your joy loudly and passionately. Have fun and don’t be afraid to be silly.
  
I know that you are feeling a little nervous about turning thirteen. You have told me how you wish you could just stay little and that growing up feels overwhelming and scary. I get it, I absolutely do.

You are a smart, intuitive young lady and you hear people jokingly say that “adulting is hard” or “growing up is overrated.” You have seen me get frustrated and stressed out, but you have never seen me give up. Life doesn’t always go the way you planned, but it doesn’t mean you should just curl up in a ball and stop living life.

Sometimes in the scariest of moments you find your greatest strengths, and you my dear, have nothing to fear.

You are fierce, brave and strong.

Love,
Your Mama