I’m writing to you on behalf of my daughter, Lily. At just five years old, she’s still mastering her letters, but I wanted to share how your journey has profoundly impacted her life. You’re experiencing the whirlwind of fame, and I wanted to take a moment to express the influence you’ve had on one little girl.
Lily was born prematurely at 24 weeks, weighing a little over a pound. Her early days in the neonatal intensive care unit were filled with uncertainty; the doctors had little hope for her survival or mobility. Yet, she defied the odds, exhibiting resilience that astounded everyone around her, even when she couldn’t see as her eyes were still developing.
Despite her challenges, there was an unyielding spark within her, a will to fight for a life she had yet to envision. She taught me about strength and determination from the very beginning.
Lily discovered gymnastics at the age of two, mirroring your own boundless energy. With her unique blend of preemie strength and a preschooler’s exciting clumsiness, she has developed quite the skills. She walks on her hands, jumps from every possible surface, and greets every fall with laughter, declaring, “Watch this! You might be upset, but it could be incredible!”
However, her petite stature often leads to feelings of inadequacy. “When will I be big?” she asks me, her voice barely above a whisper. Doctors suggest she may never reach five feet tall, which adds to the challenges she faces when kids her age call her a baby and exclude her from their games.
One day, she bravely climbed to the top of a tree on the playground, looking down at the taller kids and proclaiming, “You can climb like this when you’re big like me.” I was filled with pride, but like most days, her courage fades. Sometimes she cries, wishing to be bigger.
After discovering your incredible performances on YouTube, everything changed. “Is Simone Biles little like me?” she asked one evening. I nodded, “Yes, she is just like you.” To which she replied, “She is much better at gymnastics than me.” Then, with a moment of reflection, she added, “That’s okay.”
Every night, we watch videos of you, “The Best Gymnast in the World.” We discuss the importance of hard work, practice, confidence, and strength. When you won your gold medal and executed a flawless routine, Lily jumped off the couch, bursting with joy.
You’ve become a beacon of strength for her, helping her counter the harsh judgments of her peers. You’ve inspired her to see the possibilities within herself and to remember her own inner strength.
As the camera focused on your radiant smile, she looked at me and said, “She is looking at me. Does she see me?” I didn’t know how to explain that it was just through a screen.
Lily even drew a picture of you, convinced I could somehow deliver it to you through the screen. Here it is, filled with all of our love and gratitude.
This letter is a testament to how you’ve impacted not just Lily, but countless ‘little’ girls who look up to you. Your influence reaches beyond gymnastics; you empower them to embrace their strength and uniqueness.
Thank you, Simone, for being a role model. You have helped one little girl see herself in a new light.
Warm regards,
Megan Carter
Additional Resources
If you’re interested in exploring more about pregnancy and home insemination, I highly recommend checking out resources like Intracervical Insemination’s Privacy Policy and Mount Sinai’s Infertility Resources.
Conclusion
In summary, this heartfelt letter expresses gratitude to Simone Biles for inspiring young girls like Lily, who face their own challenges but find strength through her story and accomplishments.