I'm always surprised at how quickly children grow up, and today I was struck by the maturity of the young woman who celebrated her Sweet 16 in Covid style. I know that the doctor tells me that we should expect maturity to follow the "Rule of 2/3" where 2/3 of her age is her social maturity, but I maintain that Grace is the exception to this and nearly every other rule. She is a strong, dependable, loyal, caring, and surprisingly witty Freshman in High School.
Her birthday consisted of ordering take out from Toki, the Chinese restaurant that usually offers hibachi-style dining and double chocolate fudge cake, which is her favorite. Daddy gave her a remote-controlled helicopter which I think he wanted even more than Grace, a subscription to Disney Plus from two of her brothers, a Scattegories game, and a Chord Buddy to help her learn to play the guitar. Her tender heart showed as she read her card and she cried at the sentiment that told her how proud we are of the young woman that she has become. Then in true teen fashion, she complained that she didn't want any pictures if she looked like she was crying. Her Asoka Tano sweatshirt, which is still delayed in shipment, will finish off her presents eventually.
But, every year on this day, I wonder if her birth mother is thinking about the daughter who lives on the other side of the globe and all of the heartbreaking decisions that she made on this day 16 years ago. Decisions that gave us the blessing of a beautiful daughter. It is fitting that this week, Grace had to navigate the questions herself when she was asked to design a crest for History class that included her birth order and the conundrum of deciding whether to include Bulgarian siblings and half-siblings who she has never met in the project.
Happy Birthday, Sweet Potato! We love you more than you will ever know!
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| Happy 16th Birthday! |
