I mean, at first you really didn't even have to work much for it. I was proud of you for surviving the emergency c-section and getting here in one piece. Then I was proud of your beautiful dark hair, and for looking so much like the guy I have loved since I was thirteen. Parents of babies are proud whether you are awake or asleep. When you are cutting teeth or sitting up or rolling over. Crawling, pulling up to things, walking. You were speaking in complete sentences before you were two. The love, longing, and pride has stayed with me throughout every step you have taken. You started learning skills that required a little more finesse than toddling through the living room without falling down. Reading and writing. Throwing and catching a ball. Making a basket. One of the strangest things is watching your child do things you cannot even do yourself...such as playing the piano. Or throwing things in track. Of course I continue to be proud of you for all of that but sometimes it goes beyond the things you have learned to do and it is more about the way you do them.
I know you have always been smart and you have always worked hard, but lately you have really started demonstrating true grit in all of your endeavors, and I know this will serve you well in everything you ever try to do. Watching you set goals and achieve them is one of my favorite things. Watching you face adversity and overcome it is phenomenal. Situations that use to cause you panic are now causing you to strengthen your resolve. When you put in those long nights for your STAR event and were sleep deprived and stressed, I said you didn't have to do it if you didn't want to. You did it. And you did such a great job you are going to compete in Nationals. At the sectional track meet, it was cold and raining, and you threw that shot put like it was any other day. In the javelin, you scratched on your first two throws and then maintained enough poise to launch your final attempt far enough to punch your ticket to the state track meet.
The pride that I felt on the day you were born is something that has never left me. Sometimes I look at you and I am in awe that you are my daughter. You are a better kid than I was. You work harder and your heart is bigger. Sometimes your determination leaves me speechless. I have always enjoyed watching you learn things and improve, but I have come to really appreciate the way you give your best effort when things are not ideal. When the weather is bad, or you have the stomach flu, or you are going on little to no sleep. I am most proud when you manage to come out and do great things on those days. Life is not always sunny and seventy-five. Adulting is not for sissies, but you prove to me constantly that you will handle whatever is thrown your way and do your best in spite of it. Adversity causes people to crumble or shine and when it happens to you I have to wear shades. My chest aches with pride and fierce love for the beautiful woman you have become. Happy Birthday, Madison! May seventeen be your best year yet.
