This weekend, we’ll celebrate Dawn’s 17th birthday. Seems impossible that so many years have passed since we first held her, this adorable baby. So much has changed. Many of the big changes have occasioned deep grief and a long process of growth: moving houses, moving schools, moving states, getting confined to the house for the better part of 3 years, and losing friends–and that’s not a complete list.
Other changes are as gradual as the growth of a tree. It takes time not only to change but also to notice the change. Dawn has grown not only physically but also emotionally. She is so charming, clever, passionate, and well-spoken. And she’s resilient! Through all the loss and the pain (those griefs listed above, plus working through not having a connection with any part of her birth family), she’s become so strong. Disappointments and unexpected losses (such as the sudden closing of the accelerated program that has been her educational home for 6 years) have come at her recently, and she’s stayed on her metaphorical feet, feisty and clear-sighted about what’s at stake and why.
And did I mention she still loves animals?
It’s hard to realize how close we are to the next big change, when Dawn finishes high school and moves out–something she’s been wanting to do, on and off, since city #3 at about age 6. (I’m thinking about the time that she, in a total rage, packed 3 suitcases and demanded that I call a cab so she could go to the airport and fly to grandma’s.) Ron and Danelle are more aware of not being ready for this next step than I am–I’m still in denial. I don’t want to be apart from her, and yet I am so aware that she’s going to be such a remarkable grown-up and needs that space to continue to grow.
There’s nothing about you, Dawn, that isn’t remarkable in all the best ways. You will always be in the center of my heart.
Our Amazing Forever Family 