Friday, May 15, 2009

I Saw You Just The Other Day, My, How You Have Grown

I had to wait to get on the computer, because the girls were doing their homework after all of their other things. So, I won't have the time to do this justice, but I'll still give it the old college try. It's Coadster's 17th birthday, so here's my letter to her:

Dear Coadster the Roadster, Mijita, Changita,

As you begin your final year as a minor, there are so many things I want to tell you. I wish you could learn from all of my mistakes, but I know that's not how it works. You have to make your own and get hurt and be sad, no matter how much it kills me to see it. I'm worried that I haven't prepared you for forging your way into your journey as an adult. But I also know that you've had more common sense than I have since you were born. A wonderful side effect of your control issues, is that you have to thoroughly research any new situation or experience before you begin it. I've learned so much from you because of that.

I know we've talked about this several times throughout your life, but you don't have to be super woman. It isn't your job to fix the world by yourself. Most of the problems were here before you were born and they'll most likely be here after we're all gone. It's okay to leave some of the work for someone else now and again. Sure, they probably won't do it right, as far as you're concerned, but it will be just fine.


You've been so lucky to find most of your passions at such an early age. You were singing before you could talk, and as far as I remember, you were crazy about politics and sports since you were in 2nd grade or so. Your stubbornness and love of the underdog, makes you the perfect Cubs fan. I hope you figure out a way to make your living teaching music and coaching soccer. If anyone can, you will.

Remember to take the time to rest and relax. When you were little and you got too overwhelmed, we would work on your breathing, and as you got into junior high, you learned to give yourself a time-out and listen to music to calm down. Don't forget that little trick. If I know you, it's something that will come in handy when you're in college and after.

You've always been a "grass is greener" girl. Wherever you were, somewhere else looked better. In grade school, you wanted to be in high school and all throughout high school, you've been dreaming of going away (as far as you can get) to college. If there is one thing you really need to work on, I'd say it was to learn to be happy where you are. You'll miss some of the best parts of your experiences, by looking over them to the next one.

This last year with you, I promise to appreciate the hell out of you and work on making you an independent woman. All those years of going through stages, butting heads, struggling with all the practical matters of parenting and laughing at and loving all of the wonderfully quirky parts of you, have led us to this point. The point where I finally look at you as not just my daughter, but as an amazing person completely separate from me. I feel like the luckiest mom in the world to get to go through all of this with you.

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Churlita

13 comments:

Ananda girl said...

Happy Birthday Coadster!

Good job, mom! Your letter is wonderful and filled with love. I am sure that Coadster knows just how much that means. Like she knows that you will always be there at her back.

I hope your day is special for both of you. Whoot!

Tara said...

What a wonderful post, that got me a bit emotional!

Have a very happy birthday, Coadster!

I love the X-Men costume - was she supposed to be Storm?

Also, that line from "Brown Eyed Girl" is perfect for this post. Probably why you picked it!

NoRegrets said...

Oh, you're making me cry...
What a great daughter. What a great mom.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Coadster. Don't look to grow up too fast, stay young, stay active. No matter how far away you get, remember, your mother is only a phone call away. I'm 35 and still heed that advice.

Susan said...

Happy Birthday Coadster!!!

From a fellow Cubs fan! :)

Mnmom said...

Beautiful letter. Love is so imperfect. Happy Birthday to your not-so-little one.

em for mighty said...

that's beautiful! happy birthday, coadster.

laura b. said...

Happy Birthday, Coadster. Churlita, that made me smile and even get a little tear in my eye. Thanks for always sharing the joy you get from being a mom.

rel said...

Churlita,
That is an awsome letter mom!
Pass along my added Happy Birthday wishes to your Coadster for me.
rel

Johnny Yen said...

That was a really touching tribute.

Isn't it funny how our success as parents is largely measured by making sure they will be able to do without us later?

DJSassafrass said...

Happy Bday to Coadster! And I am sure she will spend the next year appreciating the hell out of you too!

Poptart said...

What a beautiful letter from a wonderful mom to her amazing daughter.

Lois is wondering why I am crying. Happy b.d. to C and I hope the year to come is great one for all three of you.

Unknown said...

Awww. I love this. What a lucky lucky daughter.