She is nine. She turned nine a week ago while we were at the beach. We feted her with spaghetti and with chocolate mint mousse cake. I was stopped in my tracks when she mentioned being ten next year.
Oh, this girl. She is my all-or-nothing, black-or-white, up-is-down and down-is-up, full of love and full of angst, mature yet still-so-young child. There are days that I think that being her mother is my greatest test in this life, and then a few minutes later, my greatest joy. She is compassionate and loving, quick to anger and a nurser of grudges. She is passionate about everything while still convinced that there's nothing to do other than watch TV. She grasps complexity way beyond her years in an instant, but declares herself to not know a thing. She is fiercely independent, but is mama's little girl. She is my bundle of contradictions and I love her to pieces.
Annika, there's so much I want to say. But all I'll say here is that I understand you and am here for you. We're far more alike than you know. I am so full of love and hopes and dreams for you. I can't wait to see you find your place and your passion and make your mark on the world. I am so very grateful to be your mother. You help me be a better person and a better mother, every day.
Love,
Mama
Beautifully said!
Posted by: v Demetros | July 02, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Aw, beautiful, Sarah. These girls... Sigh.
Posted by: Grace | July 02, 2011 at 10:35 PM
oh, sarah. this is so lovely. happy belated 9 to annika!
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | July 03, 2011 at 05:05 AM
Happy birthday, Annika!! You are both so blessed. Hugs all around. xoxo
Posted by: miss chris | July 03, 2011 at 06:48 AM
Again Happy Birthday, dear Annika. Beautiful words, Sarah.
Posted by: Heather | July 03, 2011 at 07:02 AM
Your A. and my A. would get along just fine. That was a lovely birthday post.
Posted by: laeroport | July 03, 2011 at 09:16 AM
happy belated birthday, annika!!
i have to tell you, sarah, this post made me tear up. your 9 yr and my 9 yr sound so very similar, it's almost as if you are describing my girl here.
Posted by: lulubeans | July 03, 2011 at 01:11 PM
happy ninth Annika!
Posted by: Kelly | July 04, 2011 at 04:29 AM
So beautiful!
Posted by: whattheharry | July 04, 2011 at 05:00 PM