Shine

 

Dear Zoey,
My sweet, sensitive and shy girl.
If you were a flower, you’d be a wallflower.
You fight hard to hold back your tears.
You avoid the crowds.
You fear the spotlight more than the dark.

The world will tell you big girls don’t cry.
And your shyness is a weakness.
It’s better to be in the in crowd.
And those in the spotlight shine the brightest.

Do not seek the spotlight.
It’s not about you.
Do not chase the crowds.
It’s about you being you.

Do not blend into the wall.
Stand out and stand tall.
Stand up for what you believe in.
Stand by those you believe in.

You cry not because you’re weak, but because you care.
Don’t fight back your tears. Cry a good cry.
Fight the good fight and never lose heart.
Someone is always fighting for you.
Standing by you and believing in you.

Do not seek the spotlight. It’s not about you.
Be the spotlight that shines to make the world, someone’s world,
a little better, a little brighter and a whole lot more beautiful.
I know it’s in you because you’re already a light in ours.

Zoey, I can’t believe you turn 6 today.
You surprise us every day with how beautifully you’ve grown.
Happy 6th Birthday to our sweet and bright star.
Shine on,
J