You see me like no one else. You watch me closely; my reactions to your good news, your bad news, to your new dress, to my new dress. You are constantly observing what I am drawn to and what I am not so you know what to buy me for the next special occasion. You are constantly observing the small tasks I do every day so you can fulfill the unasked ask. And in turn I see you like no one else. I am constantly observing your reactions to see what lifts you and what crumples you, feeling between the lines when you haven’t quite made sense of it all, fulfilling your unasked asks from packing you a snack for school to giving you a hug when you don’t even realize you need one. You ask for so little and at the same time you ask about everything. So I offer and give because you deserve it and I remind you not to ask because I trust your judgement. In this past year you’ve grown so much, as sensitive and kind as the little girl always looking after her little brother, while becoming more independent, confident and grounded. As you celebrated 17 I couldn’t have been happier to see how much you are loved by your friends. You are considered the funny one and therefore laughter and joy are always coming your way. What a gift.

So because I know you are watching me, I will do my best. And because I am watching you I will get to see what makes you laugh, what inspires you, who receives your humor, generosity and love and the many small and big wonderful ways you’ll change those and the world around you.