Dear Addison at 11 Years Old

Dear 11 Year Old Addison,

Wow, my amazing young girl. 11! The age that I watch you both upclose and from afar and I remember so clearly being your exact age. You are so carefree, full of life, driven, empathetic and fun! You rocked 5th grade, easily achieving straight A’s all year. You are excelling at soccer and in the middle of your very first ODP season. Your confidence in absolutely everything you do is incredible. Seeing you nervous for your recent Roan Forest Talent Show M.C. tryouts was strange and I honestly was so surprised. It’s not often you have experienced that anxious feeling. 

We’ve started to have some typical initial struggles between a mom and and independent and opinion growing 11 year old daughter.  One example was your 5th grade graduation dress that you adored. As I had done, in the past and without thinking, I purchased you a couple of dresses that I loved and when I had you try them on, you had one that you had previously choosen while shopping with your Meme, in your own style that you preferred. I challenged you and kept encouraging you to consider one of my favorites, which had worked in the past. However, this particular time, I will always remember it as the moment where I had to recognize that you have your own preferences and style and I should not dictate what that is to you, nor do I want to. I want you to have your own ideas and opinions and at 11 years old, I realized that it’s time for you to try out new things, decide your preferred style and shop for your own clothes along with me. It’s time for you to choose what you love and try new fads of the moment or things that make you feel like you are 11 years old. You need to be able to look back in 20-30 years and remember your early choices, as it will help create who you are as a confident adult.

Addison - you are driven and passionate and so much fun! It has been such a highlight of my life watching you grow through your elementary years and I am so excited to see your development through your middle school years. I am so proud of you and the young girl you are now, as well as the one you are becoming. I pray that you embrace every single moment in your life, living intentionally in every moment and not waiting for time to pass to get to the next chapter in life. You have done an excellent job with this and I know you will continue it for the rest of your life.

Happy 11th Birthday my vivacious and beautiful daughter,

I love you,

Mom