You’ve transformed girl!

Mentally, emotionally, physically, Emma Ann Clickman – aka YOU – became a new person over the last 12 months.  Well, maybe not an entirely new person, but hey, there were many noticeable changes, evolutions and transformations girl!

One is how you’ve grown.  You’re a human skyscraper!  At 5 ft. 5 inches, you’re now taller than your Mom.  How did this happen?  You wear size 8-1/2 shoes – often your Mom’s shoes or boots.  Every time I see you I’m blown away by the change before my eyes.

You’re in seventh grade, a mere year away from eighth grade which is a mere year away from high school.

And yeah, I’m not supposed to mention the puberty thing – after all I’m your grandfather – but who cares!  You’re going through it, literally changing from a girl to a woman.  I went through it too, but I skipped the girl to woman thing, opting for boy to man.  Whatever works!

It’s a funky, weird, confusingly yet often cool time.  Some days are the best, other days you don’t want to get out of bed.  Ups and downs.  You’re happy, you’re sad.  You’re interested, you’re bored. (btw when I say “you’re” I don’t mean you specifically, but every one of us who goes through the wild puberty ride!).

The epic thing is that Emma Ann Clickman is moving forward all the time, becoming someone unique – the adult version of YOU – and there’s no stopping the process.  Moving forward is always better than living in the past or being stuck, so go with it.  Excelsior!

Through all the change, you remain and become even more so, an awesome person.  So loving, compassionate and kind.  Funny.  Interested in the world.  Engaged, living life, not watching it go by.

Nothing makes me feel better than being around you, getting a hug and seeing you smile your special smile which can burst open at a moment’s notice from tentative to a brilliant sunburst.

My favorite parts of the last year (well every year for that matter) is doing stuff together.  We had epic adventures this year – leading up to your 13th birthday –  including being together at Disney World; climbing up giant boulders and jumping into the lake below… kayaking… canoeing (we almost tipped it!!), paddle-boarding, Dave & Bustering and Mount Washington climbing.

It’s incredible being with you, seeing you conquer fears, try new things and get to new places.  Always remember: believe in yourself and who you are. Don’t compare yourself to others, that’s a foolish, defeating game because NO ONE is like you.  Having only one Emma Ann Clickman in the entire universe is so epic.  Trust your instincts, listen to the little voice inside and proudly be Emma Clickman no matter what.

You’re awesome, kind, compassionate, funny, loving, smart, beautiful, adventurous, curious and wicked cool. You’re an amazing young woman.

Thanks for loving me, being with me, hugging me, hanging with me.  It’s the highlight of my life.

Happy 13th Emma, love you lots!