Dear Fish,
15.
Wow.
FIFTEEN years.
That’s a long time!

It’s been quite a year. You are discovering so much about yourself, your strength and weaknesses and what you want out of life. It’s exhilarating and exhausting and I’m only WATCHING.

You completed 8th grade wrapping up what you described as some of the best years of your life and made the decision veer from the beaten path that the majority of your peers followed. Your choice to attend a science and technology focused charter school was a good one. The environment suits your independent mindset and your self-motivated learning style. By all accounts, you are keeping your teachers on their toes as they strive to challenge you. Your grades reflect your commitment to learning and being the best you can be. We still need to get you to ask for help sooner rather than later, but that’s a work in progress (I know pot meet kettle).

Thank you for talking to me, for sharing your fears, your concerns and you dreams. I know for sure I’ve been helpful in some cases. In others the jury is still out and I’ve definitely made mistakes, but I will continue to listen and try to answer your questions and address your concerns as best as I can, even when they make me squirm.

You’ve had some challenges this year, but you’ve faced them head on and are working to find your new normal in an ever-shifting landscape. You’ve also had some major successes. You managed food and sunscreen at 2 weeks of Girl Scout camp and you biked 102 miles! Here’s to another active summer! In November you were promoted to junior black belt in karate and you continue to develop your skills. As previously mentioned your grades are great, and you are getting a lot out of your regular volunteer work at the elementary school. You’ve had your bioptic for a few months and I think it has broadened your world, but I’m looking forward to seeing you use it more.

We’ve traveled in New Hampshire and afar to San Diego and Hawaii. You are truly a pleasure to travel with. You handle yourself well and you are curious about new places. I’m looking forward to new adventures!

You’ve entered the world of social media and while this is a tad bit unnerving for me, I truly enjoy your posts. Your passion and sense of humor come through. Your passions this year include all things Grey’s Anatomy (Team #MerDer FTW!), equality for all and music just to name a few.

I love your style, it’s all your own and it works for you. Keep on rockin’ it girl!

I can’t wait to see what fifteen has in store for you.

Happy birthday!

Love,

Mom