This is part two of a two part article. Click here to read part one.
My mom is creative and selfless. She shows me how to use my talents to help others and make them happy. Mom, you have a giving heart, and you’ve taught me to have one too. But you’ve also taught me to stand up for myself, and to not stand for other people’s nonsense. I love your sense of adventure, and how you take the time to make things special.
My dad is always encouraging me to be my best and take advantage of every opportunity. Dad, some of my earliest memories are watching you fly your model planes out in the field every week. You even had a plane named after me – the Katie Coo! You put that hobby away for a while to raise us, and now you’re flying again. I love seeing you do something that you’re passionate about, and so good at. Even when we don’t see eye-to-eye, I value your opinion, trust your advice and want your approval.
Annie is off to college. Annie, I’m so proud of you. I hope college is all you want it to be and more. I hope you try new things and make new friends. Remember that it’s okay to not know what you want to do, you’ll find it along the way. I hope you go exploring and leave time to get your school stuff done, and call me and tell me all about it.
Maggie gets to stay home and be an only child, and it’s also her first year in the senior dance company at our studio, a group I was a part of too. Maggie, I’m so proud of you. You’ve grown so much as a dancer and I know you’ll rise to the occasion this year and just keep growing. Enjoy this group and enjoy your friends – all of my best high school memories involved senior company. I can’t wait to watch you all dance together and to see you up on stage performing a solo. Hold down the fort and be nice to Mom and Dad, please. I’m expecting daily dog pictures.
I don’t need Peter Pan to rescue me from growing up. I will always be my parents’ child, my sisters’ sister. I’m following my own path of curiosity and wonder, and I know that my family is behind me every step, and home is where my loved ones are. And home will always be waiting.
