To my darling girl on her 8th birthday,
Every year that I sit down to write this birthday letter, I take time to reflect on all that has happened since we last celebrated your special day. I also always remark “has it been a year already?”
Shortly after turning seven, you started ski lessons and you and your daddy spent most of the winter weekends sliding down the glittery slopes around Seoul. In the spring we hit the beach where you learned the art of standing toes on the nose, with a few wipeouts along the way. You participated in your second triathlon, and rocked it.
Each morning you begin your day with a big smile and a song. We regularly joke that your life is like a musical, because you sing your way through the day. Sometimes you make up songs about ordinary things like making your lunch or doing your chores at other times you belt out your favorite songs, which lately have all been in French! At night, your daddy and I smile when your sweet voice fills the evening air as you sing yourself to sleep. Singing has really become a true passion for you. This year you delighted us all by singing “Hallelujah” at the school talent show. Your sweet voice really resonated with the crowd and many in the audience felt moved by your performance. I couldn’t help but cry as I watched you up on that stage, pouring your heart into that song while your daddy strummed the guitar in accompaniment.
Georgie and Cutie Softpaws are two of your biggest loves and you shower them with daily attention (whether they like it or not). On the weekends, you build them elaborate kitty houses in which they love to curl up to sleep. You are happiest when you are reading a good book and the two kittes are curled up in your lap. You are still a maker and any box that you find is transformed into little houses, schools, planes and such.
In school, your teacher Ms. Ahn tells us that you are a good friend to all of your classmates and you are always looking for ways to help. You love all of your teachers and when asked what is your favorite part of school, you have trouble choosing because you love it all.
You have become an activist for the causes that you feel passionate about. You have made posters about bullying and the importance of friendship. You have become a voice for endangered species and raised awareness about the importance of protecting the evironement. You marched down the streets of Seoul in solidarity with others around the world, braving the snow and holding your sign high during the Women’s march. You were inspired to find ways to raise money for Nayaka and you were honored for the money you raised.
Our traveling adventures with you continue be highlights of the year. You love your summers in Europe. From the food, to the ancient history to the beaches, you find the beauty in every experience. My memories from this Summer will be filled with you stripping down to your underpants and jumping into the crystal, cool waters of Italy and Croatia.
Every single day, I marvel at your kind heart, your thoughtfulness of others, your kindness and devotion to your friends, your gift to create, your courage and your confidence to question and go against the grain. May year eight around the sun be a year of growth, discovery and continued adventure, Happy Birthday Ava!
