Dear Josie,
When you were little, I could sit and write a funny story about you, not worrying about whether or not I’m too “embarrassing” or “weird.” But now that you’re 15 (and let’s be honest, a lot when you were 14), I have to be a bit more measured with my words.
Someone might find out that I love you and think you’re amazing.
The horror.
That’s not what that letter is about today. You already know this, and I’ll be sure to shout it out embarrassingly sometime when you’re least expecting (or wanting) it.
Ha.
Today’s letter is about when you’re 15. We have listened to that Taylor Swift song a lot lately, and while your sister proclaimed this morning that it doesn’t have the best sentiment, the phrase, “When you’re 15” has been echoing in my head today.
So, here it goes.
When you’re 15, you’re going to try to peel away and exercise as much independence as you possibly can. That is normal. That’s expected. Know that, however, it’s not easy for your dad or me to watch another one of our big girls go off and chart her own path. We’ve been prepping you for this for 15 years, but it doesn’t make it any easier. So, go easy on us.
When you’re 15, you’re going to be a part of some mistakes that are made (see above for the lack of parenting expertise we have with you being this age). Your mistakes may be your own. They may be because of the company around you. They may be because of us. Know that, when a mistake happens, your dad and I will always, always love you. We will always, always forgive you. And we will always, always help you.
When you’re 15, you’re going to need time and space. That is not easily found in this house. Believe me…there’s a reason why I went out in the cold today to put up lights. We all need a minute. You’re going to have a lot of things to process. Here’s what I’m going to tell you: being alone to process is priceless, but know that you’re never truly alone. We are always here if that stuff feels heavy or hard or whatever. Just try not to kick your sister out of your shared room and slam your door too much, please?
When you’re 15, you are only 3 years away from being a technical adult. That makes me want to cry right now and also jump for joy. You came into this family ready to be awesome. You made your entrance perfectly timed before an epic snowstorm. You burst onto the scene as a precocious toddler. You sang and danced your way to national success. You have big goals and big dreams. When you’re 15, it may seem like anything is possible. While we believe and support you, we want you to stay grounded. We want you to work hard. Be kind. Be true to who you are inside and celebrate the talents God gave you.
Because when you’re 15, you are really starting to figure out who you are. And Josephine Elisabeth, you’re pretty amazing.
So today, we celebrate you with gifts and judging practice and Friendsgiving. We watch you figure out your new “big girl” camera with ease. We hear you singing Christmas songs as your sister puts up the tree that you think looks “okay.” Always the perfectionist…
Josie, we adore you. We can’t believe that little squirt of a baby is now a 15 year old. I can’t believe my tiny singer, the one who loved High School Musical, is actually IN high school. We have watched you strive, struggle, and soar, and can’t wait to see what the next 15 years of your life will be like.
Because we know it’s going to be big.
When you’re 15, you have a lot ahead of you. Enjoy today and celebrate tomorrow.
So much love to you,
Mom