Aug. 13, 2021
Dear McKenna:
Happy early 21st birthday!
It's so hard to believe that in two days you'll be 21.
I meant to get this letter to you sooner but have been trying to get my thoughts together.
I'm so glad you decided to go home and celebrate your birthday with your family and take Cas with you. Your mom was so excited about it!
I hope you had a blast as I'm sure they did.
I was picturing all of you together having fun.
I hope you have a great school year this year and enjoy your new apartment.
When your mom told me a few months ago about Cas I was so happy and excited for you! I'm glad you've found someone who loves and respects you and also who has a family who feels the same way about you.
When I was 21 I was a wild child so I very grateful that you're not like that and that you have your feet firmly planted on the ground. Even though I was in college and working, my life was crazy. I'm thankful that you have stayed the course (I sound so old) and have not let your life get upside down like I did. My fear regarding you going off to college was always that you would repeat my same mistakes.
I still worry about it but not as much.
I know your parents love you so much and only want to help you be the best you can.
It's hard to see that when you're 21. I was stubborn into my late 30s, really. It's hard to grow up. At times I can still be hard headed.
I have always been the instant gratification type.
This wasn't supposed to be a lecture letter.
So, end of lecture.
I will always be proud of you, worry about you, love you, think about you, pray for you (and your parents), and wonder what you're doing every day because I can't help it. I miss your laugh, your smile, and everything that is you.
God knows every hair on your head and everything that makes up your spirit. He knows all your hopes and dreams and all the wishes of your heart.
And you can achieve whatever you set out to do. I believe in you and so many others do, too.
I love you.
Happy 21st!
Love,
Terri
