Mom Little Girl ✓

Every day, I see pieces of my own childhood reflected back at me—but through a softer, brighter lens. When she twirls in her too-big princess dress, I see the clumsy joy I once had. When she furrows her brow in concentration while drawing a rainbow, I see my own stubborn determination.

You are her first love, her first hero, and her first understanding of what a strong woman looks like. mom little girl

So I will soak up the messy ponytails, the crayon on the walls, the 4 a.m. bed invasions, and the endless chorus of "Mommy, watch this!" Every day, I see pieces of my own

Make it count. Even—especially—on the hard days. You are her first love, her first hero,

Because this is the short season. The golden one. The one where "mom" and "little girl" are still one heartbeat.

And I realize: She doesn’t need a perfect mother. She just needs me .