On Being a Mom to a Teenager (A Tribute to Zoe)

Thirteen years ago today, my dream of becoming a mom came to reality when Zoe was born. Her arrival definitely changed my life forever. In fact, her birth set the course for the rest of my life. As a kid, I aspired to be a lot of things but my greatest dream was to become a mom and have my own family. Zoe gave me that.

Zoe was a very adorable baby. She was always laughing and when she did her chinky eyes would disappear. Haha! My parents always used to say that she looked like me when I was a baby. Just look at her here looking like a baby China doll.

Growing up, we eventually saw her become a lot like me too. She became a responsible older sister to Ziya, who was just a year younger. Zoe has always looked out for her and protected her. Now, she’s a great big sister to Ziggy too.

Zoe is really smart too. Like me, she loves to read and collect books. She learned to read at the age of 3. In fact, by the age of four, she already reached a reading level two years beyond the average. Then, about a year ago, she realized she also liked to write (yep, like mommy!). So, she has been practicing writing stories already.

Over the years, Zoe has been a consistent honor student. I’ve gone up the stage countless times already to pin ribbons and hang medals on her. She has given me an endless stream of proud mommy moments but I know that there’s still more to come in the future. I am so excited to see how much she’ll be able to accomplish.

She turns 13 today. Part of me wants to cry. Where did the time go? I miss the baby girl I used to love dressing up so much. Another part of me is happy because of everything she has turned out to be. And yet another part of me is apprehensive. I’m a mom to a teenager now. OMG!

They say a child’s teenage years are the hardest years for any parent to experience. That’s why I’ve been dreading this day (somewhat) for years. I don’t know if I’m prepared. I’ve already had a glimpse of what’s to come these past few years as both Zoe and Ziya became more independent. I just hope I’ll be able to handle their teenage years with as much grace and love as I can muster. I pray I’ll be the kind of mom who will be able to encourage them to chase their dreams, the kind who will have enough wisdom to share. I pray I will be strong enough to learn to let go and let them fly.

Zoe, I love you so much.

Never let a day go by without you knowing that.

It doesn’t matter where you are. I will always be here for you. Always.

We may have our difficult moments as mom and daughter,

but don’t ever think that I regret having you in my life.

I am so proud of you and always will be.

Thank you for being such a great daughter and sister.

Thank you for changing my life.