One in a Million

It’s hard to believe that in less than 24 hours, I’ll be a mother to a 14-year-old. It feels like just yesterday she was my baby girl in diapers, pinks, bows, and dresses. But today, she’s a young woman finding her place in this world.

I’ve had more people than I can even remember tell me to “just wait” for her to start giving us attitude and all the emotions that come with being a teenage girl. But the funny thing is, I don’t think that’s going to happen with Gab. And before you say “no, it will,” let me tell you why I’m not so sure.

I think the average teenage girl does develop an attitude. Heck, I was one of them. (Sorry, mom.) But we aren’t your typical family. And Gabby isn’t your typical teenage girl.

No, this isn’t a case of “my child would NEVER”- my child has the FULLEST ability to give an attitude and sass. I’ve seen it. But it’s never directed at or towards us, or ever something that’s in a serious/angry tone. It’s more her personality/joking around, and something that makes her really funny.

I don’t think Gabby would ever direct angry sass towards us because we have all been through something extremely traumatic; her brother almost died. It was an extremely humbling experience for all of us, to say the least. And with an experience like that, you inevitably change. That change can either make you a better person, or it can really sour you. When Ian was first diagnosed with his brain tumors, I know I went down a dark road. As hard as I tried not to, I became a version of myself that I didn’t recognize, nor did I like. But this second hospitalization, when the tumor hemorrhaged, I found myself running the other direction. I wanted to grasp onto anything for dear life. I wanted something, someone, to save my baby. So I screamed and cried and fell to my knees and prayed. And when all was said and done, I found myself once again changed, but this time for the better. I don’t think Gabby is any different. She could’ve outlashed and became that teenager that talks back and gets into trouble. But she didn’t. She chose to go the other direction. She chose love, kindness, compassion, and grace.

I know I’m probably biased because she’s my child, but she really does have a good head on her shoulders. I see it in the way she speaks to others. I see it in the way she helps those in need. I see it in the way she treats those with disabilities as if they don’t even have one (as we all should). I see it in the way she seeks our guidance on what the right thing to do is. I see it in the way she carries herself, how she speaks of herself, and how she handles difficult people and situations.

I can’t even begin to describe the immense pride I have in the young woman that she is now and is becoming. Watching her grow up has been one of the greatest joys in my life, and I’m excited to see where life’s opportunities take her.

Happy birthday, my sweet girl!