Chapter 14

I see you. I hear you. Not the loudest, not the one that draws the attention. The one shrinking away from standing out. You watch, listen, think. You keep your cards close to your chest, not revealing too much, but when you do it's a rainbow of joy and light. Your talents blow my mind. Your creativity brings me joy, your comedy makes me laugh, your athleticism makes my jaw drop. How can you be mine?

As you tread through these troubled waters of teenage-dom, working your way through friendships that once were there but perhaps now aren't what they first appeared to be, it has pushed you to put yourself out on the line. Those that you call your true friends see all the wonder of you and celebrate all that you do. Growing up can suck, but it can also be full of happy times. I love hearing you laugh as you chase your brother, or chatter away with your sister. I love how you are still working out who you are, but aren't afraid to express yourself in what makes you you.

Never give up on yourself, and never try to fit into someone else's mould. There have been some sharp lessons this year, but I see you rising to the challenge and I know you will come out top.

Your head totally in the gymnastics game as you fly down the track with 5 whips flic double twist to land. I applaud you for finding this place of release, for being so determined, for being so relentless. You are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for. You are a force to be reckoned with. I am proud of all that you do, you come home with gold medals, silver medals, qualification into English Championships, selection onto the South Regional Squad. Yes these things are amazing, but they only make a small part of what makes you brilliant. These achievements are wonderful, but when you come up to me and give me a rare, surprise hug, well that just makes my heart spill over.

Know who you are, be proud of that, and don't let anyone get in your way. xx

xx