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To My Little Bit on Her 7th Birthday

It’s hard to believe my Little Bit is seven. It seems that not so long ago, you were a teeny baby lying on the floor in your little red ring and kicking the little animals that surrounds it. Today, you plop down on the chair, flip your feet over the arm, and study a catalog while yelling, “Hey Mom, look at this.” Somewhere you went from a baby, to a toddler, to a preschooler, to a bone fide kid. It went so fast, before I know it you will be trying to date boys. (Notice, I said trying, you have to get through me, your dad, and any cousin we send out to do a background search).

You have grown so much within the past year. You are taller. You know have definite opinions about what you should wear and have suddenly taken an interest in making sure what you are wearing matches. You have times when you want to be alone and times that you want to share with others. If you are hungry, you can get something to eat by yourself. Sometimes, you even try to help keep your little sister in line. Your imagination has grown more complex. A year ago, playing circus would have meant that you would pretend to be an elephant. Last week, it meant that you had three rings going. There was a stand for the elephant. Out of something else, you made an elephant for you and your sister to ride, and obviously the furniture was your trapeze. You had an audience (I guess, Jane’s dolls are good for something). Jane was in the circus (I would have made her a monkey). You performed.

First grade is only days away. Gone will be the playfulness of kindergarten. First grade means math, reading, and writing. Sometimes it will seem really hard. It will require concentration and doing what the teacher wants you to do at a specific time. You have to try. I know you like to try on your own and suddenly amaze people with your skill. You have done that all your life. You are going to be learning so much. Don’t worry about disappointing us. You will stumble along the way. There are very few people in the world who does anything perfectly the first time. Don’t worry about letting people see you try. If you try to do well in school, we will be very happy.

Be a good big sister. Yes, I know your little sister is somewhat of a bother. I can’t say she will outgrow that. No matter how pesky she is, she really does love you. I also know no matter how angry you are with her, that you really love her also. You both have plenty of material things but nothing is worth as much as the love and bond between you.

I wish I could erase all your worries and cares. I wish I could prevent anyone from ever making fun of you. I realize that I can’t always do these things. In order to let you grow up, I know I need to let you fight your all battles. Yes, I will step in the second I think that a situation is past what you can handle. I will always be there to make sure that you are well and happy.

Happy Birthday.

Love,
Mom.

August 24, 2001
©Jacqueline M. Carey
Jackie@jmcarey.com

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