SEVENTEEN

Last year at this time, I was scanning and scanning and scanning photos to make a Sweet Sixteen Video for Valerie.  It was such an emotional time for me.  It was a strange birthday.

This time, I will write a letter to Valerie

Dear Valerie,

It is hard to believe you are 17. Sixteen was strange enough, 17 is just unbelievable.  I can not believe you are so grown up.  I am so grateful for the last 12 months though.   Last year at this time, you were living with your dad, but we started realizing in January that it was not working out, and thankfully, by March, you were back home.  I am so glad.  I love having you here, you are such a big part of my heart.

I am so proud of the grades you are making, and the path you have decided on as a career.  I am impressed by your ability to keep up with school, fun, and work.  You are amazing and I love you.

When you were born, I was young and scared.  At the hospital, many, many Mary Baldwin girls- my classmates- came to hold you, love you, and cheer you on.  From the start, you have had a cheering section behind you.  You have had many good, wonderful, kind, loving people wanting the best for you.

When I started graduate school, it amazed me how many people in my department knew your name, but not mine.  I had a couple incredibly close friends, and the attention and love they gave you still humbles me.  They too, are your cheering section.

When I started working at Mary Baldwin, then at JMU, my students were always- and have always- been so interested in who you are, what you like, and how you spend your time.  Always, you have had so many wonderful people cheering you on.  Please know that I am one of those people.  I know it may seem like all I do is make you mad, but it is not on purpose.  I promise.

You are my

Valli-Girl


my little Valerina.


The cool kid Val-GAL

and so many peoples' Val-PAL

You have grown up so pretty and smart, and you started off as my own little Stinky-Winky.

I love you,

Mom