“Is it my birfday?”
Our little Amelia Jane used to ask this every time we had a family birthday, which was a lot. When it was finally her actual “birfday,” she could hardly believe it.
“Today? TO-DAY is my birfday?”
And yes, today is her birthday, and a big one: 16. Our girl now has freedom of wheels to take her to all the places she needs to go, which right now, with rehearsals and volunteering and her gig as the family babysitter, is a lot. But where her wheels will take her in just a few more years is what I’m thinking about today.
Amelia has always been one of the little kids. Our ray of sunshine. Our easy baby, easy toddler, loving and helping big sister, and, from time to time, the one we may have forgotten (please consult her for the story about her being locked out of the house and sleeping in the mudroom). What has made her such a delight is that self-sufficient attitude and go-getter spirit. While a license brings the independence of determining when to leave for school, go to a friend’s house, get to rehearsal, what will carry her further than her first used car (shared with her sister for just a few months!) is that get-it-done attitude, all with a sunny disposition.
The world hasn’t broken her down-yet, but her heart is tender for it. She is the one who is most in tune with the world around her. She offers a different, more sympathetic viewpoint to her older sister’s direct, matter-of-factness. It makes for interesting dinner and car ride conversations. It also sets her apart even from her peers. She does NOT tolerate nonsense, time wasted (unless it’s on TikTok) or people who are (in her words) “insufferable.” Give her a clear agenda, a job and someone beside her so she can tell them a story, and she’s set. It’s a delight all around…and usually means a task is complete, cookies are baked and a great tale has been woven.
All characteristics that have been growing inside this kid since she was asking if it was indeed her “birfday.”
Amelia,
Today, as I watched Life 360, I couldn’t help but remember you sitting behind the wheel of your little Cozy Coupe car, talking about “going shoppin’.” Today, you finally got to exercise that slice of freedom, and although I think you should slow down a bit at stoplights and speed up a bit on turns, you’ll figure it all out in good time; you’re just taking your time.
Sweet girl, keep looking at the world through your own eyes. Keep advocating for the unjust and rolling your eyes at the ridiculous. It’s a nice balance that will keep you grounded as you walk through these wild next years.
Also know that even though you have independence and sweet freedom, you will always, always be that sweet little baby girl who tagged along with her big sisters and drug along the little kids. You’ve stood squarely in the middle of our tribe, but have always stood out.
We love you and love you.
And slow down when you’re coming up on a stoplight. Your mama said so.
Love,
Mom