The last day of 8

Today we celebrate. It marks the end of 8.

In hours, you'll turn 9. Will life be just as fine?

No one knows, child, for there is no easy answer.

All I can tell you is that you will grow from this, although this will truly shape who you are as a girl, as a teen, as a woman. Success will not come easy, but I will continue to advocate for you in all of my capacity as your mother, to help empower you as I've done for the past 8 years.

Not many people realize how much your extended family has invested and sacrificed to get you where you are today as you sit among the the traditional learners, those who can better adapt, better comprehend, better understand the purpose of the unwritten charge to which all subscribe -- or are expected to.

You do not fit into society's prescribed formula of average or above average. You exceed exceptionally in some areas that shock the professionals. Yet you struggle in some that the white coats expect.

The PDD-NOS label they've attached to you falls far below the ones we all hold:

Daughter.

Friend.

Artist.

Swimmer.

Dancer.

Runner.

Singer.

Comic.

Sister.

Dog lover.

Cookie monster.

You are unique, little bird, and the challenges that you face teach everyone around you about life -- that life is never fair, that we encounter troubles that may stumble us. But we just need to pick up and move on.

And as you move on, I will be there to watch you flourish into the independent, intense, and enthusiastic individual that you are meant to be.

HB, Gigi.