6 / 22 / 2023

Dear Friends,

You know what the best sound is? Your Daughter's laugh. And I don't mean at a specific age or anything, because it inevitably changes over time. That infectious, childlike gurgle of a giggle when they're younger can become a shy, hidden, sometimes quite rare laugh during the harder times. And it can also become an all-out, unabashed, can't-catch-her-breath laugh when she's truly at ease with her whole self. It really is magical.

It evolves like she does, and truthfully, each stage is incredible. Is it your job to make her laugh? Sometimes. But mostly it's your job to figure out what makes her laugh at each stage. To keep your curiosity and help her find the funny. To remind her that you LOVE the sound of her laughter, and to teach her to laugh at herself, too.

In a similar vein, you know what the best sight is? Seeing your Daughter be proud of herself. Not you being proud of her, but her being proud of herself. Pride in the deepest sense - conquering something she was afraid of, overcoming something she'd had difficulty in or wasn't convinced she could do, being appropriately recognized for an accomplishment that was uniquely her own. It's the type of pride that may not come easy, but once there, can never be taken away.

Hopefully she knows you're proud of her (and by all means, please keep telling her so!) But when she has pride in herself - there's really nothing better.

Except maybe still the sound of her laughter :)