And Just Like That, You're Sixteen

Dear Ruth,

I know that at the stage of life you're in time seems to move too slowly. You are ready to be out on your own, becoming your own person and making your own way in the world. But for me, the years are flying by, and it's hard for me to believe you are already 16! I do love this age, though. I love that you are capable of doing everything. I love that you are planning your future. I love that our relationship is evolving to be one more of friendship.

We spent last summer traveling around the western U.S. and Canada in our tiny RV, and though you were sometimes annoyed by the lack of space and privacy, you were a trooper, and overall I think you enjoyed the trip and learned some things about yourself and about some places you had never been. One of our stops on the trip was the Air Force Academy in Colorado. Our time there lit a spark in you and inspired you in many ways. You decided you could see yourself at a place like that and immediately began to make plans and take actions to try to make that happen.

For example, you had never been a runner, but you decided almost on the spot that you would start a training program for yourself and that you would join a cross country team when we got back to Flower Mound. You were disciplined to get up early, even while we were on vacation, and to put forth whatever effort you could muster for that day, working up from short runs that left you wiped out to runs several miles long that left you energized. Once we were back and you were part of the team, you diligently followed all the recommendations of your coaches and continued to improve your times and gain more stamina, working hard both at practice and on your own. By the end of cross country season, you definitely considered yourself a runner and were eager to continue the work you started by joining the track team. You improved at every meet during the track season and even earned your letter jacket by running on the varsity team at several meets.

In addition to running cross country and track, you participated with IEA again, though by the end of the season you were feeling a little burned out and were wanting to put more of your focus on your running sports, college preparation, and some of your other activities. You haven't decided if you will go back to IEA in the fall. Sometimes it is hard to walk away from something that is familiar or comfortable or something you have previously loved and go a different direction, but I'm really proud of you for taking a critical look at your activities in order to decide what is truly important to you, what really brings you joy, and what is best for you in this season of you life.

Other than sports, you also participated in a homeschool honor society and took on a volunteer position at a barn that works with disabled kids. And you found the Civil Air Patrol, which seems to be what brings you the most joy right now. You feel connected and inspired and challenged there, and you are working hard to move through the ranks. You joined the Color Guard and got to participate in a parade and a horse show with them. You also got to do your first training flight, which thrilled and excited you in so many ways and may have sealed the deal for you to pursue getting a pilot's license at some point in the future.

Aside from our summer trip, we had several other opportunities for travel this year. We went to Nashville in August to see the total solar eclipse, which was really something spectacular to behold. We also traveled to Washington D. C. in November, which was a trip you thoroughly enjoyed. In December, we spent time with family in South Padre. We took a short trip to eastern Oklahoma in March, which was restful for all of us. And, we are currently traveling in South America. We've already visited Peru and Easter Island, and now we are in Mendoza, Argentina. And, we still have Chile to look forward to. You have had a very open mind on this trip, and it seems you have enjoyed the overall travel experience more than you have in the past.

You have been working on your Spanish this year and have improved dramatically. And you have been so thrilled and proud to be able to understand and communicate with a variety of people while we are traveling in Spanish-speaking countries. Doing something hard, like learning a language, never seems like much fun when you're in the midst of it, but it's usually worth it in the end, if for no other reason than to know that you are capable of doing hard things. You are definitely capable of doing hard things, and I'm proud of you for putting in the effort and pushing through the discomfort that comes before the accomplishment.

In many ways, this year has been easier and happier for you than last year. You seem to be settling in to who you are and feeling more comfortable in your own skin. You still had some difficult classes in school, but they didn't seem to frazzle you as much. You've been better about not taking yourself so seriously and giving yourself grace, and there is peace in that. You also made some good friends through your various activities, who you have enjoyed hanging out with. And you and Weston have really developed a special bond, which is touching to see and good for both of you.

You got your driver's permit right after your last birthday and have been driving us everywhere. You have driven in all sorts of conditions and have encountered some stressful situations on the road, but you have kept your head and maintained a calm demeanor. It has been a delight to see you gain confidence in yourself and your ability to handle the unexpected. You are looking forward to getting you license when we get back to Texas, which will mean a new level of independence for you. You are more than ready for it, and I'm excited for you!

Ruth, it's actually sort of difficult for me to put into words how very proud I am of you, but I hope you know that I am. You are an amazing young woman, and I'm so thankful for you! You are a hard worker and put your heart and soul into every endeavor you attempt. You are a helper and a giver. You are funny and intelligent and brave. You are so responsible and mature, and I trust you completely. I'm so glad that you made me a mother 16 years ago. You have taught me so much and have brought immeasurable joy to my life. Even if I wasn't your mom, I would consider it a privilege to know you. I know there are amazing things in store for you, and I can't wait to see where your path takes you this year and in the years to come. Happy 16th birthday! I love you!

Love,
Mom