To my precious Parker: Happy birthday!

You're the toughest kid I know.

Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash

We’ve been through a lot.

More than anyone will ever know.

Some days were heavier than others, and some lessons came earlier than they should have.

There are chapters we survived that never made it into the story, storms we learned to read without ever naming them out loud. And yet… here you are.

I’ve watched you grow in ways that amaze me.

You’re becoming stronger — not just in body, but in confidence. You know who you are in rooms where others are still trying to figure it out.

You’re becoming wiser, not from ease, but from experience. From pain. From joy. From the confusion in between.

You’re becoming sharper, because life demanded it, and you answered with courage. You can sit at a table with adults and talk about real things — money, choices, plans — while most kids your age haven’t even started thinking that way.

And you’re becoming resilient in ways that can’t be taught, only earned.

Even when things felt unfair or chaotic, you kept your spirit. You protected your light without dimming it.

You didn’t give up.

You kept going.

You learned how to be the toughest kid when you had to be — to protect yourself, to stand your ground. You learned how to read a room, trust your instincts, and take care of yourself in a world that isn’t always gentle.

And now, you’re learning something just as important: how to soften without losing your strength. How to grow in grace and blossom while staying true to who you are. How to let tenderness live alongside bravery.

Twelve is a beautiful in-between age.

Part wonder. Part wisdom.

So enjoy the magic of this pre-teen season. Each day, you’re discovering something new about your voice, your courage, your spark — yourself.

You’re learning who you are, one brave step at a time.

You’re learning that you can be smart and gentle. Strong and kind. Serious about your future, while still laughing the loudest in any room.

You’re learning how to be the author of your own story — and not let anything or anyone interrupt that.

And as you keep becoming, remember this: you don’t have to grow up all at once.

You don’t have to be perfect.

You don’t have to carry everything on your own.

You’re allowed to take your time. To change your mind.

To be exactly 12.

But remember, your time is precious. It’s one of the few things in life you never get back. Spend it on the people, experiences and dreams that lift you up. On the moments that help you grow and bring you closer to the life you want.

Notice it. Treasure it. And don’t give it away to distractions, noise or anyone who doesn’t see your worth.

Wherever you go, and whoever you become, Parker, know this will always be true: You are loved deeply. You are respected and honored.

You are capable, courageous and endlessly remarkable.

Carry that with you always, in everything you do.

And never forget how much light you bring into the world.