Today you are thirteen. Although just another number in the row of years in a life, it marks a new chapter more solidly. Childhood is over, adolescence has begun, and my role as your mother is ever changing. Separation anxiety hits me hard every time I think of it; I know you will be ready before I am; it's always been like that. I've had to let you go before my heart was ready - will a mamas heart ever be ready? - to let you stand on your own feet, let you move further away from me. Your strength and independence has always left me in wonder and made me so proud. And your kindness, and your crazy laughter, and how clever you are. 

You are beautiful, in simply being you. I hold these words close to my heart and hope you can feel them. You don't need to succumb to being anything else, or anyone else. You are complete.

I love you, wonderful being. Thank you for making me a mother.

Happy birthday, Ronja! Let's do this!