Written June 1, 2017, Originally Published on Personal Facebook Page
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Dear Cheyenne Rose,

Today, you turn sweet sixteen.

And sassy sixteen, fantastic sixteen, intelligent sixteen, sometimes full-of-attitude-sixteen.

I still remember the day you were born. Even if it some parts are clearer than others, thanks to the epidural and painkillers, I wouldn’t trade that moment for anything. It was the moment you changed my life. Forever and for the better. The days between then and now seem few and as if it was just yesterday that you arrived. But you have filled my life since then with sixteen years of sweet memories. From so many days at the zoo, park, pool, beach…trips to Disney World and Oregon. Road tripping to South Carolina, then Gatlinburg. Weekend trips to Michigan. And Indianapolis. So many nights rocking you to sleep. And reading story after story to you. Gymnastics. Oh, so many gymnastics memories. Cheer. The good and the bad! Just playing on the floor with your dolls and Littlest Pet Shops for hours. Picnics in our yard. Your debut on Broadway! You holding my hand before my surgery. Me holding your hand before yours. Me waking up loopy and wanting donuts. You waking up loopy and wanting pancakes…

We are the same in so many ways, but different in so many others. You have brought more joy in my life than I ever imagined. You are my daughter, my best friend, my rock. As I reflect on today and the years that preceded it, I can’t help but be both anxious and excited for the years that lie ahead. Next week, officially ends your sophomore year. Well, hopefully, lol! And you will officially be a junior. In only two short years, you will be heading off to pursue college or wherever your dreams may take you. I will be proud of you, no matter what path you choose. But as you grow older, you are making many of your own decisions. As you do, just always remember…

Choose for you. Don’t let a friend, a boyfriend, or even me try to pressure you into something other than your own dreams. This is your journey to take. Not theirs. Not mine.

Be a good friend. And good listener. Be there when needed. Smile. Be friendly to others. You never know the difference your small gesture might make to a person at their lowest. Help those in need. But don’t post your helpfulness on social media. Just let it be for yourself and that person. Stay humble.

Work hard. But take time to smell the roses.

Know that your family will always be there for you. Stay close to your family. All of them. Call your mama.

Be conscious of your environment. Be good to it. Pay attention to the world outside of your bubble. Travel. Go see that world. Volunteer to help others. Stay current on politics. Vote!

Pray.

Think of how your actions represent far more than just you… Your family, your friends, your school, your sports team, your workplace… Think before you speak. Before you act. Before you post on social media.

Don’t let anyone change your personality. Your bright, sunshiney, hilarious, sometimes sad, sometimes serious, and all-the-time-crazy, so much fun and full of life…personality. It’s beautiful and it’s yours. Let your light shine.

Most of all, be happy. Be beautiful you.

So go forth and blaze your own path. As Robert Frost once said, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference”.

Take the road less traveled.

Happy Sweet 16.

Love Always,

Mama