Sophia turns 13 tomorrow! Wow, where have the years gone? I remember how excited I was 13 years ago tonight, knowing she would be born the following day. She was a planned cesarean birth, so there were no surprises. We had no clue she would be a girl. That was a lovely surprise, especially since that’s what we were hoping for. My world became much brighter, and my love expanded to make room for another grandchild. I didn’t think my heart could have room for two grandbabies, but God makes the heart so that it can inflate, expand, get bigger…whatever you’d like to call it. There’s room for every grandchild to share in the love.
Sophia was an independent baby and an even more independent tweenager! She has the most beautiful naturally curly hair. She’s tall, like her dad (and her Great Uncle Kevin), and has long legs, arms, and feet. Keeping her in shoes that fit is a challenge!
She’s intelligent and creative, loves to write (like her Nana), loves to sing (like her entire family), writes songs and stories, makes soap, is in a journalism class, and is the Assistant Chief Editor of the school newspaper. She tried the flute for a while, but there was no strong connection. She tried out for the cross-country team, but her grades needed to be where they needed to be. That’s all I will say about that! She’s currently in baton and loves it. She’s already been in two parades.
She’s going through the typical teenage issues that every single teen has ever gone through, but she is working on herself and wants to be better. Every day is a clean slate; another opportunity to live for others; be kind; be a light to a dark world, and have dreams.
Jeopardy is one of her favorite games; we play it often when she stays at my place. She’s a wiz at Boggle and Scrabble, and she’s going to love any word game you can find.
I am always and forever in her corner, cheering her on in whatever she chooses to try her hand at. I cherish our long night talks, her hugs, “I love you, Nana,” and her strong character. She’s still young and has a lot to figure out, but she has a village behind her, a family that loves her, and a God that created her for a purpose. Once she finds that…Watch out, world.
So happy birthday, my sweet Tinkerbell. I love you more than you can imagine and will always have your back. Love Jesus with all your heart, read your Bible, and pray daily. Listen to your mom; she loves you no matter what, and she’s doing her best to raise you into an honorable, kind, and thoughtful young woman. You are lucky to have her. Be good to your brother and sister. They are your friends for life. Protect each other, encourage each other and love each other. Right now, it’s hard, but you’ll understand why one day. You need each other.
Dream, plan, have goals, and love the Lord with all your heart and soul. Live life to the fullest, keep your regrets to a minimum, and stay in your own lane.
You are my sunshine and make me happy when the skies are gray.
Always and forever,
Nana
Pam Torres | Author 