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This June, you graduate from elementary school, and my heart is overflowing with pride and love. Watching you grow up into the amazing young woman you are becoming has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

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People said, the most tired soul in the family is not the mother, not the father, not the younger sibling, it’s the eldest daughter. She became second parent before she became a teenager. She was taught to put other first to be mature, responsible, selfless to carry the emotional weight no one saw. She grew up fast, too fast while others go to be kids. She was helping raise them. While others cried she had to stay strong. She became the caregiver, the listener, and the problem-solver. But who checks on her, who listen to her pain. She’s expected to always have it together to always be okay but deep down she’s exhausted. She sacrifices silently cries behind closed doors, breaks but keep going because that’s what the eldest daughter does. She doesn’t complain, she doesn’t quit, but that doesn’t mean she’s not hurting. Check on her. Love on her. Tell her she doesn’t always have to be strong. Even superheroes need rest.

My dear, you’ve always had a quiet strength about you. Even when you were little, you cared for others, shared your kindness, and held so much love in your heart. But my love, I want you to know something very important:

Strength isn’t in your muscles – it’s in your mind, in your heart, in the calm way you carry yourself through challenges. True strength is knowing when to pause, when to breathe, when to be kind to yourself and others. You don’t have to be everything for everyone all the time. Be gentle with your own heart. Be at peace with who you are.

Sometimes, I wish I had the power to make everything right for you.

Sometimes, I wish I had enough money to give you every dream you’ve ever had.

Sometimes, I wish I had treasures to pass down to you.

But my sweet girl, what I do have – I give to you with all my love.

Take what you need. Add your own wonder to the sum of all human wonder.

And one day, pass on the gift of love to someone who loves you.

As you step into high school, a new chapter full of discoveries and adventures, I wish you nothing but happiness, success and deep joy. I hope you find good friends, pursue what lights up your spirit, and always remember that I am here – cheering for you, loving you, and believing you.

You are not alone, sweetheart. You never have to carry the world by yourself. Remember, even superheroes need rest – and you, my love, are my greatest hero.

Congratulations on you graduation. I love you endlessly.

Mom 💖