Happy Birthday, Love

Dearest Samantha,

I know you wanted me to write a post for your birthday, but this isn’t it. This is for your mother. Sorry. Now, kindly step aside.

Ahem.

Dear Sam’s Mama,

On this day, the anniversary of your daughter’s birth, I want to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for giving birth to Sam.

Thank you for giving birth to a daughter who makes up hilarious dance moves and then proceeds to give them equally hilarious names.

Thank you for giving birth to a daughter who delights in finding grubby, run-over change in grocery store parking lots like she’s just found gold.

Thank you for giving birth to a daughter who loves music, books, and all things Harry Potter as much as I do.

Thank you for giving birth to a daughter who has taught me that it’s perfectly okay to be ridiculous in public, no matter how many people stare. In fact, it’s not only okay; it’s fun.

Thank you for giving birth to a daughter who loves my cooking and raves about each meal as if it were cooked in a 5-star restaurant and not just our tiny apartment kitchen.

Thank you for giving birth to a daughter who inspires me to keep going and reminds me of my goals when I threaten to forget them.

Thank you for giving birth to a daughter who makes me feel like the most beautiful person in the world.

Thank you for giving birth to a daughter who makes me the happiest I’ve ever been.

Thank you for giving birth to a daughter who loves me.

Because I love her, too.

Thank you.

Love,
Jenny