Happy Birthday Siya - 9 years!

Siya love - today you are 9! 

Everyone told me that it would go by quickly. They were so right. As I look upon you on this day, I am filled with awe. And while it may be right, it REALLY is true, my love for you grows stronger each passing day, you always find way to leave me awe struck. I am prouder than words can possibly express to call myself your mom. You are amazing and I want to take this opportunity to tell you and the world, why?

If "strong" was a human, her name would have been Siya

This year has not been a easy year for us. Mom dad went through a pretty rough phase (possibly the worst) this year, but you handled it all with such a fortitude and grace that it absolutely blow-ed me away. You refuse to allow limitations to stop you. Through it all you keep positive, can-do attitude. When we would flutter, you would calm us down and show us things from different perspective. You take those difficulties, internalize their lessons and continue on a stronger, better person.

With strength, you are really smart

And here, I don't mean you know things, I am sure there are many people who know things better than you but you exhibit wisdom and sense of responsibility far beyond your years. Its amazing to see you having a great understanding of the situations and people's action which is so uncommon from one so young. I have always been saying this but I will repeat again - you always teach me things and help others see the world from a much needed perspective.

Beauty is as beauty does

You are so beautiful my child, really gorgeous! Kind and thoughtful. Compassionate. You display deep empathy for people and surprisingly animals too. I mean for me you are like this "Hug Monkey", always loving to give hugs and do so freely(Jadu ki jhapi as Sanju baba would call it). You make friends (may be few of them) where ever you go. Your compassion and empathy drives you to share love with those who need it most. I really don't think you realize, but you show others what a difference an unconditional love can make.

You are really funny

You have these funny, weird, witty, jokes that you keep on cracking which makes you silly actually :-). Many a times, they don't make sense, but they cause you to get into greats fits of laughter. When that happens, that is THE single greatest sound that i hear on this earth. You also remind us of the importance of laughter. And how being silly can make the difficult stuff easier.

You are pretty intense

You have always been passionate, and shown intense interests. Hang in there girl, this will take you a long way. There have been times that you have also displayed strong emotions but we learn to balance your passionate side with your softer one and focus on your intensity to make a positive difference. These years you have been bombarded with walls, boundaries, stereotypes. All will try to change, shape you into what it thinks you should be, mold you to be "more like". Stay true to who you are. Hold onto it, trust in it and YOURSELF and don't let it crumble. Spread your wings and fly and you will graciously reach your dream some day. I love to watch you soar! Be you my sweet girl, Always. Just keep on being you! And if no one, there is surely going to be two people standing by you ALWAYS!

Happy Birthday my princesses and I look forward to all the adventures in the coming year!