13! it is

Hey, as tradition goes… and I sit down to write this letter for you, I realize that today is the last day you will be 12! Didn't I call you my ‘lil Dozen’ just about yesterday?

It’s your birthday, and you will turn 13 years old. You will officially say goodbye to your childhood and will be considered a teenager.

I always wanted a daughter. When I was pregnant, and we went in for an ultrasound, I lay on the table, breathlessly waiting - I didn’t say a word, but I looked for signs on the technician’s face – ‘Boy or Girl’, and then heard the ultrasound technician say, “It looks like a healthy baby,” … and I roared at her afterwards… how could she call you “it”… and then Geney was coined – made from our genes!

The night before, I had cried and prayed, “It's OK if it’s a boy, God. But please let it be a girl…” Papa squeezed my hand because he knew you were the desire of my heart. My daughter.

Woah! I'll never forget the sound of your first cries, the feel of your tiny fingers wrapping around mine, or the way your eyes sparkled with curiosity as you took in the world around you for the very first time. In that moment, I knew that my life would never be the same again. Papa and I, from that day forward, made you the center of our universe, filling our lives with laughter, love, and endless wonder. It wasn’t your milestone alone, each milestone you reached, from your first smile to your first steps, filled us with pride and awe at the amazing little person you were becoming. That balmy morning of spring in Delhi, the family that awaited your arrival, those friends who stood by us… everything just keeps rushing back; You were Seven, Eight and Nine…. to me like a movie in flashback – I just need to close my eyes! ….

Lo and behold…. I open my eyes…. all of 13! 

My source of joy, my greatest adventure, and let’s accept - even my occasional source of crankiness. But oh, how I adore every facet of your beautiful, spirited personality. With the turn of this decade, you turned Ten; we knew there was lots that was brewing! Your determination, your passion, and yes, even your occasional mood swings, remind me of just how wonderfully unique you are. I have seen these virtues grow inside of you since you were Six. You're growing into such an incredible young woman, and I couldn't be prouder to be your parent.

It's a time of transition, of figuring out who you are and where you fit in the world. At 12, we still thought you were a kid! And, while there may be moments when you feel frustrated or uncertain, please know that I am always here for you, cheering you on every step of the way. You are strong, you are capable, and you are beautiful, inside and out. Never let anyone dim the light that shines so brightly within you. Embrace your quirks, your passions, and your unique perspective on the world, because they are what make you truly special.

This is also the time when there will be many firsts, and a variety of feelings! I want you to know that you are loved beyond measure, just as you are. Your worth and value extend far beyond any labels or categories. Just stay true to yourself, treat each day as a precious gift, filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for growth. Just have fun!

On your 13th, I am not going to give any advice to you, but with the world some 13 things that I have reflected over a period of time:

1. Your bravery: I love how brave and clear in your mind, are you! You can stand up for what you believe in, even if it's unpopular! Trust me … not many can fathom even the thought!
2. Your intelligence: Every parent loves a great PTM at school! And do I love attending them… Boy oh boy! Even the Janitor has the nicest things to say about you…
3. Your humor: Let’s just say that it's double-edged! Sometimes I want you to enjoy it than “tongue in cheek”
4. You are forgiving: I love your magnanimous heart!
5. Your curiosity: This will take you places!
6. Your strength: I have always loved and appreciated how you have endured the changes while growing up!
7. Your open-mindedness: Gawd! The things you know at 13? And the acceptance … Kudos!
8. Your passion: The things you believe in! Please pursue them with zeal and dedication – it will keep you driven.
9. Your Sense-of-Justice: It is unbelievable how you can draw lines for things you believe in… it ruffles my feathers a few times!
10. Your Creativity: You get that from me 
11. You are Feisty: But why? I love it sometimes – but hey, use that outside, not with us! We are getting old :-P
12. Your Trust: It's hard, but I am glad that you tread carefully.
13. Chase your dream: Stay driven by hope and ambition!

You want to hang out with your friends, from this birthday, exclusively! As hard as it is for me not to worry about you when you are out of my sight, I am going to let you go. This is uncharted territory for both of us. I know that we are doing things differently this year; maybe it marks the start of new learnings.

With some age and experience on my side, and a few new silvers in hair, I assure you that the next few years will fly by, so make the best of it, until it lasts! There’s so much more that I want to say, I want to write, and I want to share on the eve of your turning thirteen. But I know that you’ll simply have to live life and learn from your own experiences. This year and forever, Papa and I are always going to be with you! Happy birthday, my sweet, strong girl.