it's your 18th birthday

Tomorrow is almost here.  It seems like yesterday was just April 22, 2020. The sun has circled the earth again, it is April 22, 2021, your 18th birthday. It seems like yesterday, I was in the hospital on bedrest waiting for you and Ian to arrive. I remember the day like it was yesterday, calling Daddy to tell him it was time, he needed to come to the hospital. Our little family of 2 was about to double.

At 12:29 PM on April 22, 2003, entered Becca Jordan and at 12:30 PM on April 22, 2003, entered Ian Alexander. Mommy and daddy were in love and our lives were forever changed.

April 22 is a day filled with mixed emotions for you, as it is for us. We take your lead on how to celebrate it each year, this one is no different. We will spend the day at school and work, go to celebrate with Ian, come home and eat some of your and Ian's favorite foods for dinner. 

The past year has been like no other. Because of COVID, many of the things which have kept you grounded over the past years were canceled...the Twinless Twins conference and your CIT summer at Camp Lousie. Along with your junior year ending virtual and most of your senior year being virtual...how you have moved through each day has reminded me of why you are my hero.

Becca, you have grown into a beautiful young woman. Yeah, yeah, I know every parent says that about their child...but you have. You have begun to find yourself, to become Becca. You have faced more in your "short" 18 years than most people experience in their lifetime.

You are courageous, wise, and resilient. 

Courage is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. You put one foot in front of the other and face what is put before you. 

Wisdom is the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight. You are true to yourself while sharing with others what you have learned from your life's journey. 

Resilient is springing back; rebounding. Recovering readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyant. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, moving through your days, but knowing when you need to take a step back to feel your feelings. 

Your courage, wisdom, and resilience have propelled you forward. Fear of the unknown. All the losses, very difficult. 

You know how delicate life is and that each day is gifted with no promises of tomorrow. You cherish the smallest of things and savor the moments that come with them. Celebrate the moments that matter to YOU, but remember to open yourself up to others, let them see how beautiful you are, inside and out. There is nothing too insignificant if it matters to you. Keep being, Becca Jordan Scher, just as you are.