Babe, Soon enough, you will stop hunting for the Easter Bunny.
And the Tooth Fairy will fly away.
And Santa will be sacked.
Soon enough you will close your door.
And close your mouth. You will answer “Fine.” And “Okay.” And “Whatever.”
Soon enough you will like boys.
And hate me.
Soon enough you might wonder if you are enough: pretty enough, smart enough, loud enough, thin enough.
And we will love each other any way, despite all the mean things we might say for three or four years while we sort this out.
But for now…for now, let me tell you some things that you can hold onto.
You are magic. You are a shiny, rare, curious bird.
You have a lot to say (and sing), and people want to hear it. Your words and voice stun me.
You are lovable, a beauty on the inside and out.
You are enough. In every single way.
And, for now, you are gloriously, perfectly 9.
I love you now and forever,
Mom