Dear Daughter,

I don't want to steal your freedom, but I do want to teach you what to do with it.

It will undoubtedly feel like I'm

tightening the reigns,

holding you back,

and pulling you closer to me.

When, in reality, I'm

adjusting my grip,

keeping the connection,

and ensuring that you know that my unconditional love and I are a constant.

This you getting older thing, it's hard on a mama.

It's unfathomable that the girl who made me a mother wants a little less to do with hers.

Not because you don't enjoy my company

and not because I'm a constant pain in your biscuit,

but quite simply because you're ready for a bit more independence.

And, when I think about, that fact alone means that we've got a good relationship and that I've been doing a good job.

When a baby girl turns into a young girl who wants to define and walk her own path, you've got to let her because that's how you honor the woman she is becoming.

And, she is becoming that fierce and faithful woman because of and thanks to you.