The 14th Year

Happy 14th birthday, Alice Anne!

Yeesh, 14. Such a big year!

Let's get into it.

The notes app on your phone is full of all the things I'm either not supposed to say or the questionable things I have said. Your memoir will be hilarious.

You wrapped up 7th grade with the school musical, Matilda, where you were the only student with three rolls on the Tech side - Assistant Stage Manager, Lights and Sound. You took it on yourself to learn how to program the new light system. Both your choir teacher and your music teacher said you were their rock during the run of the show. And as always, we were so proud.

This summer was your first summer not at camp. It was different, but you did get to spend two weeks at theater camp with our local community college. You got to be on stage for week one - you were not a fan. And you got to run lights for week two - you LOVED that! 

You have a techie spirit and we cannot wait to see what you do with it.

On a random Tuesday, you received a text from a theater friend asking if you would be available to work sound for a student-directed play at the Deer Park community theater. You had zero hesitation. A week and a half later, you were running sound for the musical, Legally Blonde, with other teens in our area.

You are in a Career and College class this semester. You've decided on two schools even though I tell you all the time that you do not need to know that now. 

You have such a strong sense of style and the confidence to wear what you want. That is not something I had at your age and I love seeing it. 

This next year is a big one and my heart knows it's going to go by so stinking fast. It's the last year in Junior High. Next summer you can take driver's ed. You will be asked to make decisions you think will dictate the rest of your life. 

Remember, you can always change your mind.

And always, you are loved.

Be brave, my girl. 

We love you,

Mother and Father