Dear Hayden,

I wanted to take a minute and write to you specifically. You’ve grown up right before our very eyes in the last few months. You’ve become a braver, more knowing version of yourself.

You’ve faced the daunting task of wearing a back brace head on. There have been moments of frustration, but overall, you are doing what needs to be done with little complaint. We’re so proud of you.

You signed up for the Bard Competition at school. You recited “Hope is the Thing with Feathers” by Emily Dickinson in front of a large crowd without flinching.

You auditioned and were selected to play your winter recital piece at the school concert. You stepped up to the piano and confidently played Deck the Halls in front of hundreds of people!

At your parent/teacher conference yesterday, your teachers told us how great-hearted you are. You are performing with academic excellence, but more importantly, you are emerging as a leader — one who knows how to treat people kindly. One who takes the risk of being wrong to put herself out there and participate. One they LOVE having in their class.

You studied Joan of Arc this fall and you and I were talking about her the night before your test. She’s famous for saying a lot of brilliant things, among them: “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.” You are figuring out what you were born to do: speak confidently, be yourself boldly, and live virtuously.

We are ecstatic that we get to be your parents and witness all of this. It’s one of the greatest privileges of our lives.

Love you,
Mama