To my beautiful daughter…
When I refer to you as ‘my beautiful daughter’, most people assume that I am talking about your looks. I suppose I can’t blame them as you are very pretty. But when I call you beautiful, I am talking about beauty on so many levels that have nothing to do with appearance.
I’m talking about the beauty of the innocent toddler that I never had to prod for an ‘I love you’ and the small child that couldn’t fall asleep if I wasn’t there to give her a goodnight kiss. 
When I say beautiful, I am reminded of the little girl whose heart was so tender that she would sit and cry alongside a friend who got hurt falling off their bike.
To me, beautiful also means attitude and personality. Sugar with a touch of spice. Well-behaved with just enough mischief to make you hard to resist.
Beauty is found in the kind words you say because you mean them, not because they are expected. I recall a time not so long ago when I was forced to deal
with emotions I couldn’t carry alone, so you helped me carry them. Your beauty comes from deep inside.
Nothing is more beautiful than unconditional love and forgiveness, both of which you possess in abundance. I know that there have been people in your life that have hurt you, without provocation, and it never ceases to amaze me how you can always find something good in them afterward. Beauty is your endless supply of second chances and I can only hope that those people recognize that beauty and the gift it’s been to them.
Beauty is enjoying where you are in life, taking nothing for granted and being happy with what you have instead of dwelling on what you don’t. You have always been able to do those things with ease.
I swell with pride each time I hear you say how much you love your daughters, when you could just as easily complain about how hard you work or regret what you’ve missed.
I am proud to be your mother. I am proud of your accomplishments at such a young age and the woman you’ve become. From holding you in my arms for the very first time, to watching you grow, to beaming with pride as I watch you with your own daughters, I’ve enjoyed every second.
On December 23rd, 1991, you came into my life as my child, my youngest daughter. And today, December 23rd 2012, you have grown into not only a beautiful young woman with a family of her own, a husband, and two adorable little girls who I hope will grow to be as ‘beautiful’ as their mother, but you’ve also grown into my best friend. 
So today, in front of God and the entire world, I thank you… For being my beautiful daughter.
With all the love in my heart, Happy 21st Birthday, Bear.
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