The Ones Already Here

I recall TONS of people telling me I’d regret not having my own children someday. That hasn’t happened yet. But what has happened is children in my life growing up, turning 18 in a blink, and making me THANK MYSELF for staying true to me, so I can give more to them (all of’em).

Today is my niece’s 18th birthday, and I’m feeling all the feels: surprise over how times flies; pride over who she is today, and excitement over what she will do and become as an adult, college student, and every other role she chooses.

Today I’m thankful and grateful that my nurturing plate has always been full, despite not having my own children. It never has made sense to add to an already full plate. In my short 40 years, I’ve nurtured more through other roles I’ve carried, especially through my role as a CASA volunteer. The stories still haunt me of children with lackluster protection and nurturing from their own parents. It used to make me angry, but I had to learn to channel the anger into productive service for the child. It never got easy. I changed through that role and others like stepmom, aunt, and mentor for the better. I see how some of us are called to be helpers to the children already here. They need us. They are already enough.

Today’s task is reminding this little girl, pictured, that that she can do it—all of it—anything she dreams up—it IS possible. She can’t get it wrong. She’s destined for greatness. And, of course, reminding her it gets better & better, so hang on tightly. 👑

Happy birthday KMC!