Seventeen

Happy birthday to the person who made me a mother seventeen years ago! You have taught me so much, and it's been incredible watching you turn into the amazing young woman you are today. You are intelligent, thoughtful, creative, responsible, capable, caring, self-motivated, independent, and mature beyond your years. You work hard to accomplish your goals, and you consistently make smart choices. I'm so very proud of you and know without a doubt that you have a bright future ahead!

We spent a couple of months in South America last summer, visiting famous sites like the Amazon, Machu Picchu, the Nazca Lines, Easter Island, and the Andes. You bravely spoke Spanish with the natives, ate a grub in the Amazon, and drove a standard-transmission car on Easter Island. Besides that, you seemed to enjoy the sightseeing and the family time.

Last summer, you obtained your driver's license and, along with it, so much more freedom. You have been responsible with both those things and have never given us a reason to be concerned. Dad and I love that we can trust you completely on and off the road!

You ran cross country and track again this year. In addition to keeping fit and enjoying the activities, you have also made some great friends through HSAA, and it's so good to see you building these strong relationships. You are a faithful friend and have so much to offer!

You have also continued your involvement in CAP, which has pushed you into a variety of leadership roles this year. You became the First Sergeant of the squadron and recently made Chief. You have also staffed several camps, and, in a couple of days, you will attend a Powered Flight Academy. Adult leaders and parents of other cadets have told me how you add value to the organization, and from my perspective, it has been nothing but a positive experience. I have seen you gain confidence and leadership skills that will serve you well for the rest of your life.

This year, you took most of your classes through NCTC, and though you were often the youngest person in your classes, you consistently impressed your professors by your class participation and performace on assignments and exams. You stayed on top of the material and studied hard, which allowed to you receive an A in every class. You also made a 1440 on the SAT, which is really fantastic and should help you move in whatever college direction you choose.

Ruth, I am so thankful that I have gotten to have you in my life for seventeen years! You are a delight to know, and you make me proud every single day! I hope that this coming year is your best one yet! I love you!

Love,
Mom