Dear Emma,
As you celebrate your 4th birthday, I want to share some heartfelt thoughts with you. First and foremost, I want you to know that you are an absolutely wonderful little girl. Trust me, I mean it.
Sometimes, I may come across as a bit too strict (okay, maybe a lot), but please understand that it comes from a place of love and care. I set high expectations for you because I truly believe in your potential, even if I sometimes forget that you’re still so young. Yet, more often than not, you rise to the occasion and even surpass what I hope for you!
I realize that there may be times when you think I’m being unreasonable, and that’s okay. But I genuinely believe that our relationship will evolve into one built on trust, mutual respect, and a whole lot of love—without the baby talk!
I also see the special bond you share with your dad. You both enjoy activities like building with Legos, playing baseball, and diving into video games and comics. I might not be the biggest fan of those things, but I see how much joy they bring to you both. And I know there will come a day when you two will bond over music like Radiohead, and I might just feel a bit left out. But let me assure you, I’m not jealous—your relationship with him is one of the many things that will help you grow into a strong and confident woman.
Your stubbornness can be a challenge at times, but it also showcases your determination. I’m always impressed by how eager you are to join in on our adult adventures—even if they aren’t as thrilling as playgrounds or theme parks. You love traveling by plane and road trips, you handle grocery shopping like a pro, and you can sit through a long dinner at a restaurant like a little adult. Plus, your sense of dry humor is truly something special!
Your taste in food is another delight. You love clams and tackle them with such enthusiasm, and your preference for fancy cheese and quality salami shows you have a refined palate at such a young age.
I admire your bravery, too. You confidently introduce yourself to new friends and don’t hesitate to ask adults questions. Your willingness to say “yes” to new experiences is something to cherish.
It’s heartwarming to see how you care for your baby brother, Max, and your baby sister, Lily. You share your favorite snacks, like dried mango, with them, and you’ve never once suggested that I send them back. At your age, I know I would have!
Being true to yourself is crucial, Emma. If you do that, you will attract people who genuinely appreciate you. I hope you never doubt your wonderful qualities or lose sight of what truly matters inside, rather than what’s on the outside.
Even on days when I lose my temper, it’s important for you to know that it’s never a reflection of my pride in you. Sometimes, I feel both frustration and pride simultaneously, and I’m still figuring out how to navigate those emotions.
You are destined to be an impressive woman, not just because of your achievements—which I have no doubt will be numerous—but because of your kind heart.
Whenever I tell you I’m busy with work, it weighs on me because I want to spend every moment with you. But I hope your future endeavors bring you the same joy that my work brings me.
I hope you understand why I occasionally share photos of you online. I promise to be careful not to post anything that might embarrass you down the line—only the moments I believe you would be proud to share.
I know your birthday isn’t for a few more days, but I couldn’t wait any longer to express these thoughts!
With all my love,
Mom
P.S. I sometimes sneakily toss out your things without asking, and I appreciate that instead of getting upset, you respond with a mature sigh and say, “Mom, I know you threw it away.” I promise I do the same with your dad’s stuff, and it’s just another thing you two can bond over!
P.P.S. By the time you read this—if you ever do—I’m hopeful that you’ll understand the context in which certain words are acceptable, including “shit.”
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In summary, my dear Emma, I hope you grow up knowing how special you are and how deeply loved you are. Cherish your unique qualities, stay true to yourself, and always remember that your journey is just as important as any destination.