Happy 21st Birthday

Dear Natalie,

Well, here it is, your 21st birthday. You are now a full fledged adult in the eyes of the law anyways. You however have been living your life as a full fledged adult for the last 10 months. This year is so surreal. We don't get to see each other and celebrate you in person because of the Coronavirus. You don't get to do everything you had hoped you would do today. But we will make the best out of it anyways and do everything we can to make this day special for you. And hey, when this is all over you get a whole other day of celebrating you. So that's something to look forward to.

You and I have been struggling the last few years as we figure out our relationship and where we go from here. This last year I feel like maybe we are making a turn. I don't know if you feel the same way. I just hope you remember that I will always be here for you no matter what. If you are struggling you can come to me and I will do everything in my power to help you out. No matter how old you get I will be here for you.

I hope this year brings you so much happiness and another step closer to figuring out your future. Just remember, what you always thought you wanted to do with your life just might lead you to a different path and that's okay. Now is the perfect time to explore all of your options. I know you will figure this all out, just remember you are not alone. So many people care about you and are willing to help you figure all of this out. Whatever you decide in the end, know that I am proud of you.

Happy 21st birthday Nat. I love you.

Love always,

Mommy

Happy 18th Birthday Kaitlyn

Dear Kaitlyn,

It feels like just yesterday I was sitting at home playing Bejewled on the computer completely unaware that I was in labor with you. Your dad knew though, he watched me playing that computer game and timed how many times my face winced in an hour. Here we are though 18 years later and you are still full of surprises.

I'm sorry this day isn't going to be what you had hoped it would be because of this pandemic. Frankly, there have been a lot of unfair things about this whole thing that have happened to you and I completely understand how disappointed you are. I do hope your day ends up being better than you have been expecting. If nothing else, I guess you'll at least be getting a lesson that things don't always go as we plan them to, but that doesn't mean it has to be a bad thing. Okay, maybe I'm actually getting this lesson. Sometimes I feel like you take these kinds of things better than I do. You do deserve so much more though. We will make the best of it all though.

My wishes for you this year are that you begin the first steps in pursuing your dreams. Whatever those may be and however they may change. You are such a hard worker with such a big heart and so smart (yes, you are smart) that there isn't a doubt in my mind that you will do whatever it takes to do what you want to do in life. Always know that Daddy and I will always be here for you no matter how old you get and no matter what you need. We are your biggest cheerleaders now and forever and just want you to be happy.

Happy 18th birthday Katie Kiddles, I hope all your wishes come true.

Love always,

Mommy