18 Wishes For Your 18th

On this big day, I want to give you a message from my heart to my remarkable daughter. I hope it will appreciate over time. Try to revisit it every so often, because the meaning will change as you grow. At least that’s my hope, Sofe.

It’s been the privilege of my lifetime to watch you thunder through this world for 18 years. More than that though, I so deeply love the human being you are - that beautiful, brilliant, irrepressible and adventurous spirit of yours.

Prior to meeting you, I was terrified to have a girl. I didn’t think I’d know how to love her. Then, I met you. As it turns out I love you like I can never love another female (or person). Not a grandma. Not a sister. Not Mom. Not my mom. Not aunts or sister-in-laws or nieces or granddaughters or great granddaughters.

Only a daughter is a daughter. And only you are Sophie Rose. More than loving you in a one-of-a-kind way though, I see you. And I’ve seen you since Minute One.