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Monday, May 29, 2017

A Letter to My Near-Teen

My dear darling D, 

As you are on the verge of becoming a teenager, I can't help but think about

- The baby that you were, the one who cried the loudest of all the babies in the hospital, but was also the most inquisitive and active one with the loveliest smile when you quietened down. You hated the act of going to sleep, and made me hate it wholeheartedly too, but also gave me a surprise by started to sleep through the night at 7 months. Now, it's the waking up in the mornings that's the problem :).

- The little bundle that was a terror to feed, whom I sang songs to and probably even had to do a dance or two just to get a few spoonfuls into your mouth, is now a completely non-picky eater who's always interested to know what the menu is for the next meal - Not completely sure what I did right there but I'm taking the credit for it ;).

- And the young lady you are turning out to be, taking on challenges and finding some times that you might even enjoy an activity that you weren't too keen on to begin with.

You turn 12 tomorrow.. I can't quite wrap my head around it.. but then I see you in front of me and I have to believe it's happening. My cute little baby has turned into a long-legged teenager, and one with strong opinions ;). You are so different from me in some ways, yet we are also a lot alike I like to think.

- You draw, and love to create something fresh. I can copy a picture (very well, I should add with no humility whatsoever) and the occasional zentangle fascinates me, but ask me to draw a tiger or a human face, for example, and I'm stuck. You on the other hand, seem to effortlessly draw anything from a birthday card to a nature scene for a school project.

- You write.. oh can you write! With the added support of a lovely and encouraging English teacher at school last year, your creative writing has just flourished. You read like crazy, sometimes to the exclusion of things like homework.. but then so did I at your age, so I know your writing talent doesn't stem from just that ;). I am really fascinated by the ideas that come out of your mind. For a recent A-Z challenge that many bloggers took up, you decided that you wanted to give it a try, and I was amazed by the short stories you came up with. 
* Waiting for her to finish the "Z" entry, and then wondering whether I should make that blog public.

- You imagine. Ok, this is probably the part I find toughest to handle as a parent. You do or say something, sometimes impulsively, and then later think about (in great detail) the impact it might have. Or you just worry about something that might probably never happen, because "What If?". I remember similar situations when I was young, but in your case, I think the possible results are like a complete story in your head so somehow bother you more. It is sometimes tough for me to put myself in your place to try and understand, but I try my best. I tell you "Life is not made of What Ifs".. but I'm guessing this is not something that you're going to just accept because I say it, and I hope you will learn, and gently, from experience.

- You share. A LOT. With me and with your Appa.. and it surprises me when you even tell me something that you know I might not approve of. I might sometimes react angrily, but then I immediately realize that it's more important that you come to me with these things. I end every such discussion with "I'm glad you told me.".. and I hope that's the memory that stays with you.. because not having this bond, this communication, with you is just not an option.

Here's wishing you always soar high my darling..
I am super proud of you, my dear "first" baby. Stay funny, stay imaginative, stay creative, stay YOU.

With lots of love,
Amma

13 comments:

  1. So wonderful to read about D after such a long time. You must be proud, and rightly so, at how she's turning out to be a bright, talented, young lady. Please do publish her stories. Would love to read. Happy birthday to her. God bless!

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    1. Thanks so much Uma! It's been long all right, both my writing and blog visiting have been far from enough :). Will pass on your wishes, and your encouragement! Thanks so much :)

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  2. Such an adorably beautiful letter, Aparna. I hope D is reading it as soon as she wakes up tomorrow. She knows for sure that she has the best mom in the world. Too many things I love about this post. Will message you :)

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    1. Aww thanks babe <3. Don't know about best mom and all, but she really was touched by the letter. Made her read it before publishing in fact :). Thanks for your support as ever.

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  3. What a beautiful letter, Aparna. So much love, joy and pride in it. God bless your D. Hope she continues to flourish. Wish her a very happy birthday tomorrow.

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    1. Thanks so much Rachna for reading and for your kind words :). Your wishes were passed on, and thanks from D.

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  4. Lovely thoughts Aparna! Wishing D a very happy 12th birthday!

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  5. That is just the sweetest letter. A very happy birthday to your not-so-little-one. She writes.. and reads. That is an absolute blessing Aparna. Do share her writing.

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    1. Thanks so much Tulika! Will share her writing sometime soon :).. she has lots to improve of course but just the variety of her creativity is an amazing thing for me.

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  6. This is straight from the heart. And so reflective of pure love. Also a look at the lovely girl she's growing into.

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    1. Thanks so much Jane! You're always too kind :).

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  7. Beautiful Appu! Happy Bday to the big little girl!

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  8. What a lovely letter!

    Would you or your almost teen be interested in reading The International Family Guide to US University Admissions? We'd be happy to send you a complimentary review copy! http://bookpublicityservices.com/international-family-guide-us-university-admissions/

    Let me know.

    Thanks so much,
    Kelsey

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