If my daughter, Mia, could write to you herself, she would, but being just 5 years old, she’s still mastering her letters. You’re probably starting to understand the whirlwind of being one of the most recognized figures in the world, and I want to take a moment to share what you mean to a little girl named Mia.
Mia entered the world at just 23 weeks, weighing a mere pound. She spent 196 days in the neonatal intensive care unit, where doctors held little hope for her survival or mobility. Despite her challenges, she became the strongest person I’ve ever known. Even when her eyes were fused shut, she fought for a life that was hard to imagine.
Months passed where her world consisted only of medical procedures and discomfort, but she persevered, revealing a fierce spirit that taught me more about resilience than I ever thought possible.
Discovering Gymnastics
At 2 years old, Mia discovered gymnastics, unable to contain her energy. With an astonishing amount of preemie upper body strength and the charming clumsiness of a preschooler, she walks on her hands and leaps off anything in sight. “Watch me!” she exclaims. “You might be mad, but this could be amazing!”
Being small is a big deal at her age. She often asks, “When will I be big?” The doctors have told us she’ll likely always be petite, probably not reaching 5 feet. I’ve seen her classmates call her a baby and exclude her from play. Yet, she bravely pressed on, even climbing to the top of a playground tree one day, looking down at those bigger than her and declaring, “You can climb like this when you’re big like me.”
Despite her courage, there are nights when she cries, longing to be bigger. Then we found you on YouTube, and everything changed. “Is Simone Biles little like me?” she asked. “Yes,” I replied. “She’s just like you.” “She’s better than me at gymnastics,” she acknowledged, then smiled and said, “That’s okay.”
Inspiration and Empowerment
Now, every night, we watch videos of “The Best Girl in The World.” We discuss hard work, practice, confidence, and inner strength. I even let her stay up late to watch you compete in the Olympics. When you nailed your floor routine and won gold, Mia jumped off the couch, cheering.
You’ve helped her combat one of the toughest challenges: the judgment of other girls. You’ve opened her eyes to her potential and reminded her of her innate strength. As she watched you, the camera zooming in on your radiant smile, she exclaimed, “She’s looking at me! Does she see me?” I couldn’t bear to explain that it was just television.
Mia drew a picture of you, believing I could simply hand it to you through the screen. Here it is, filled with love and gratitude.
MIA, AGE 5
Resources for Further Reading
For more insights on home insemination and fertility options, check out this informative resource, or if you’re interested in exploring at-home options, make sure to visit this site. And for those looking for a comprehensive guide on the subject, this blog post is a must-read!
In summary, Simone, your influence has made a significant impact on our lives, inspiring Mia to embrace her uniqueness and strive for greatness, no matter her size.