When I think of you these days, the lyrics to one of David Bowie’s best songs comes to mind because Emma Ann Clickman is rapidly changing right before our collective eyes.
You’ve always been a caring, kind, thoughtful person (read the blogs I’ve written about you), and you still are. But now there are biological forces at work (pre-teen hormone changes) transforming you from a kid to young adult.
1. how you look – there was a time when you wouldn’t be caught dead with girly-girl, sparkly things (hey, I’m a guy, I don’t know how to describe these things!), always preferring a certain, steady look. Now you’re less conservative, and more brand conscious, willing to try different things as you shape your own brand.
2. what you talk about – you’ve been ahead of your time for years, way more in-tune with what’s going on around you than other kids. You’re still this way, listening intently to every conversation, not missing anything.
3. what’s important – school, your academic success, have become way more important lately. You care a lot about your grades and are very proud of having made the Honor Roll repeatedly.
4. changing moods – this is the biggest thing your parents notice (you save it for them, not your grandparents, like all kids). They see a kid who’s up and down. Sometimes happy, sometimes grouchy. Sometimes respectful, sometimes challenging.
5. different interests – you’ve been in Girl Scouts for several years, but now you’ve hit the end and have had enough. It’s one example of growing older.
6. your relationship with Ben – I’ve noticed this for awhile; you’re close to your older brother. You share a lot, laugh together, and spend a lot of time hanging out. You look up to him and have a great relationship.
6. more independent – this is the bottom line as you experience all kinds of mental and physical transformations… shaping the new identity that will eventually become the young adult Emma Clickman.
While it’s a little weird seeing a grandchild leave her younger years behind, Grammy and I are – and will always be – incredibly proud of who you are, what makes you tick and the many things that make you special. We’re behind you every step of the way through all the ch-ch-ch-changes. So hang on, keep moving forward and keep smiling.
