13.
Claire-bear, this seems like a big one.
On this birthday eve, “13” seems so much less scary than it did when you were so little. Now you are literally taller than me – like, as of last month – a fact that you will not let me forget. You borrow my shoes and we are often mistaken for each other from a distance…and it’s all so much sweeter than I could have imagined.
You are strong. I’m so very grateful that the toddler who
fought me for 2 hours over putting your shoes up has grown in wisdom without losing
a bit of your strong will. When you know something is right, you can’t be
swayed. You are 100% committed to whatever you have set your mind to do –
whether it’s competing in your sports, cleaning the house, completing your
schoolwork, planning an event, or preparing for a babysitting job. You have the
self-discipline and strength of character to succeed in whatever the Lord calls
you to.
You are responsible. We got a puppy this year – Lucy. Dad made it clear that you kids are in charge of Lucy, and from the very first night you slept on the couch so that Lucy wouldn’t wake me up in the middle of the night. You took her out multiple times a night for weeks and never complained, even when your eyelids were drooping.
You are kind. You make an effort to include those who might
be feeling left out. You seek to be a peacemaker whenever possible. You’re a
quiet leader, and it’s beautiful to see. I love to watch you interact with
competitors on the tennis court – you play to win, but when all is said and
done you never leave the court without smiling and saying something kind.
Claire, I could talk about all the things you do – all the
skills and talents and accomplishments – but what leaves me breathless, more
than those things, is simply who you are. Your Creator began a good work in
you, and I am so very humbled and privileged to be on the sidelines and cheer
you on as He is faithfully perfecting that good work. You’re my favorite
almost-teenager ever.
Whatever rumors I heard about entering into the teen years with a daughter, I laugh in the face of them. At almost 13 years old, you are gold to me.
Happy birthday, my sweet almost-thirteen-year-old.
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