My Ruby,
Today, you are 10.
My girl, lordy, are you ever headstrong. When you make up your mind about something, convincing you there might be another way requires evidence, witnesses, several rounds of negotiations, and occasionally divine intervention. I think this will be something that benefits you greatly and also has the potential to limit you.
This past year, you’ve come up against numerous challenges. I want to remind you of them here because sometimes a year in review is a powerful way to see how far you’ve come:
You learned to ride your bike. It took an entire weekend and our whole family—including Bev and Lyle—rotating through with advice and cues for you to finally get it. But you did it, and now you’re riding all over the place.
You switched schools this fall. You were upset and scared about the change, but you’ve handled it so well. Every day, you’re showing up a little more open and a little less closed off to the possibilities of new friends, new learning, and a new environment.
You ran a 5K race and joined the Run Club. You weren’t initially excited about either of these activities, but I think they’ve both given you a lot of value. The 5K showed you how strong you are and gave us some one-on-one time together. Run Club surprised you with how much fun it could be and you get to be there with your besties.
You’ve grown into your voice even more this past year. Some of the things you have the courage to say and some of the questions you ask are so very impressive. I’m proud of how loyal you are to your brother and that you aren’t afraid to ask the questions that hold others accountable for their actions.
This year, the advice I want to impart to you is this: what you put in, you will get back. This goes for mindset, energy and effort.
I will say it hundreds of times: if you go into a situation curious and looking for the opportunity, you will find treasures you didn’t know existed. But if you go into it convinced it will be awful, you’ll blind yourself to the possibility of being pleasantly surprised, to the opportunities you might find, and to the growth that comes from stepping into uncertainty without any guarantees.
Be open and stay open to the infinite possibilities and experiences you will have in your life. Not every day will be wonderful, and sometimes you aren’t going to feel happy. But learning that you control how you show up and how you approach the day is one of the most valuable lessons you can carry with you.
I am always so proud and grateful to be your mother my sweet girl.
Happy 10th birthday, Ruby. I love you.
xo, Mom
MSMAMACHIC 