Letter to my Newborn Teen

Dearest Taylor,

I believe that the job of a parent is to be an authority figure first and a friend later.  However, I also believe that if you play your cards right, you can be the meanest, bossiest, most eye roll provoking jerk when needed and also have the great privilege of being a companion, a confidant, and a friend.  Honestly, I'm sure it has a lot less to do with how I play my cards and more that I was just dealt a great hand.  The best person I have ever met was born 13 years ago today.  You came in the littlest 3 pound package stuffed the fullest with all of the best things...wisdom, humility, kindness, empathy, heart, strength, generosity, pure love (I could go on and on, pretty sure I will ;)).   I haven't been the best mom over the last 13 years, I have had to learn a lot along the way and I make more mistakes than I care to count or list for you here.  There are a ton of books out there.  They can teach you how to change a diaper, how to take a temperature, how to potty train, how to deal with temper tantrums, and Dr Phil will ask you "How's that workin' for you?" and tell you it's not his first rodeo.  Taylor, you were my first rodeo, and you have taught me more than a book ever could.  It's not your job to teach me, it's my job to teach you...but somehow along the way your skills surpassed mine.  You are better at empathy, you are quicker with apologies, you are better at forgiveness, you are better at saying the right thing at the right time and you are better at hugs.  You inspire me and someday I want to be just like you.  Lucky for me, today, I get to be your friend.  I know now that these scary teen years are upon us, I won't always get to be your friend, but I hope I have done enough over the years for you to know that when you are in trouble I am going to be mean and bossy, but most importantly I am going to be there for you.  Happy Birthday Taylor Alexis Kontos!  Thank you for the last 13 years, I look forward to the following years with very little trepidation.
I love you!!
Mom