Dear Lola | Today you are 13 | Sarasota Tween Photographer

Dear Lola,

You are 13 today! THIRTEEN! How could I have possibly known when we met nearly 4 years ago what a beautiful young woman you would grow into? How could I have known that you would nestle your way into my heart and stay there for good? How could I have known that the bright light spinning deep within you would continue to burn and grow and shine out of you like a beacon of grace and goodness? But I did. I did know. I knew that you would be all these things and more.

You’re not a little girl anymore. But that’s the thing…even as a little girl, you were the perfect mix of giggles and grace, with maturity beyond your years. With each passing year, you will continue to grow into the woman you were born to be. Nurture her. Love her fiercely. Trust her. Be her. She is strong. She is fierce. She is you.

We are old friends now, you and I. Funny how time keeps pressing forward, moving at once slow as molasses and fast as a lightning flash. I will never forget that first day we met. I was so nervous. I wanted to make that day just perfect for you. I hope it’s a memory that you will carry with you always. For me, it is the day that I met the most remarkable little girl that I had heard so much about. It’s the day that couldn’t be contained in the smile that never left your face. Sometimes I think your cheeks must still hurt from smiling so hard. It’s the day I made a lifelong friend.

Our annual photoshoot has become something I look forward to each year. And it’s funny, because when I see you, you look the same to me. But once that camera gets ahold of you, the transformation is staggering. I can’t help but tell you how beautiful you are. But know, in my heart of hearts, that the beauty I see is not just external. It’s truly a Beauty Revived beautiful. It’s that light that shines from within. It’s your explosive laugh, your fierce loyalty, your sensitive empathy, your strong soul.

Surround yourself with people who will forever lift you up. Find a tribe who will celebrate your strengths and will pick you up when you fall and will always protect you. A tribe who will make you want to be the very best version of you. Don’t ever settle for anything less.

You are valuable and worthy. Most importantly, be the kind of friend to yourself that you are to others. Caring, loving, loyal, strong, protective. Love yourself. Always.

Have I mentioned how beautiful you are and how deeply proud I am of you? I am proud of your tender heart and your shining spirit. I am proud of your creative mind and your never ending strength. I am proud to be your friend. It’s quite fitting that your birthday falls on Thanksgiving…you are one of the things in this life I am most grateful for.

We have big plans, you and I. And I cannot wait to see where they take us.

I hope I will always be part of the wind that lifts your wings and helps you soar.

Best thing….being a tiny part of your life and your story.

Worst thing….being so far away. Not forever. Just for now.

Happy Birthday sweet girl. I love you.
Spread your wings, soar to the ends of the earth, and don’t ever stop wishing.

xxoo,

Michaela