Happy 19th Birthday!

Dear Caroline, 

Today you turn 19. And I am so proud that the joy you feel today looks just like it did all those years ago. You have changed and grown and matured so much in the space between these two images but so much has remained just exactly the same. 

Your emotions have always been BIG. The sad ones yes but also the joyous ones. This is a tradeoff that can be hard but when I see your smile, I know it is also so worth it. 

You have always loved your family and friends with your whole heart. You give all of yourself to everyone you meet. I have never known you to enter a group, a class, a party and not come out with a new friend. 

You have always shared yourself freely. You set a model to us all to be honest and vulnerable and to share both the good stuff and the bad stuff. It helps us to know you but also to grow to know ourselves. 

You have always loved being a student. You were a college freshman this year and you brought your incredible love of learning and work ethic to your new campus and you shone as a learner. 

You have always found community wherever you go. As a freshman you became a tour guide, a writing consultant and an orientation counselor. You took no time to get adjusted- you just jumped in feet first as you always have and in doing so, you have enriched all your experiences. 

You have always tackled the hard stuff head on- well not cleaning your room but everything else :) This year you navigated significant lifestyle changes following last year’s epilepsy diagnosis. Despite my reminders to take your meds :),  I know to trust you. You make incredibly hard decisions each and everyday to keep yourself healthy. 

I love you sweet girl so very much and wish you a Happy, Happy Birthday!