To My Daughter On Her Birthday

Love & Broken Hearts - It was long ago, but I do remember when I was 16, too, so your feelings will always be valid. Love is as deep an emotion at 16 as it is when you're adult. Some emotions attached to love may not yet be mature, but the feelings and emotions surrounding love run strong and true. I will always honor these feelings of yours.

Privacy - I have never read your diary or journals. I've never been tempted to peek. Some day I may, but for now your privacy is important to me and I will always do my best to honor it.

Trust - Trust is so important between children and parents. I trust you, Sky.

As Your Mother - I have no need to play the role of your 'Best Friend'. Hopefully as Mother and Daughter we can be good friends, too. Being your Mother foremost will have and have had me making choices or decisions that aren't always popular. Sometimes you will even hate me. But I won't take it personally. I will understand and wait for you to come around. That's part of what my Unconditional Love for you is all about. Unconditional = No Matter What.

My Mother once said this to me and I'll pass it on to you: When you're out away from home and faced with some decision, ask yourself, "Is this something I'd do in front of my parents?" If your answer is "Yes", than I'll consider my job as a Mother well done.

Happy Sweet Sixteen, Skyler Laurel!