To My Daughter on Her Eleventh Birthday: I Am Proud of Us, Baby

Lee el artículo en español, aquí, 

There are a handful of moments that I will always treasure from this almost four decades of life. One of them is the day you were born, Ayelen. Bringing you into this word is one of the most magnificent things I have ever experienced. The feeling of you growing inside my womb and dreaming of your face, your smile, and the person you were to become was one of the most magical times of my life only surpassed by the brightness of your almond eyes that looked directly into my soul inviting me to embrace the most beautiful and humbling commitment of life: being your parent.

What can I tell you, baby?

You are a tough one. Stubborn, determined, independent, and at the same time, sweet, loving, and totally dependent on me. The responsibility of supporting you to become the best version of you drives my commitment to become the best possible person myself, for you and your brother. We have grown so much together, baby. We have cried holding hands in those times when I find myself with no answers when all that I want is to make this world a better place for you. In the hardest moments of life in which your struggles have interfered with your ability to communicate, Ayelen, you have taught me to read your mind, to untangle the skein, and to follow the clues to walk in what once was the maze that today we call home.

You have taught me the most amazing lessons of love and commitment because I would never ever give up on you, baby. I will never let anyone put you down, and I will always be here for you to remind you of your value, of your beauty, and your worth. You are the most perfect, beautiful, and amazing daughter one could dream of. I would not change your broken words, your smile, jokes, and stories for anything in the world. You are a part of me, and I love you for that and for who you are as an independent being.

You are my inspiration to live without limits. You don’t know how to give up, you don’t settle for less, you don’t cry but instead, you fight, you don’t give in but you demand. I see myself in your eyes and I know you see me in yours. Life has never been easy and probably never will be, so I am proud of us because we have each other, and if God allows me, I will be always here for you and I know you will always be here for me.

Love you, baby. Happy 11th birthday from the person who loves you the most: mama.

Eliana Tardío
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About Eliana Tardío

Eliana Tardío es la mamá de Emir y Ayelén; ambos con síndrome de Down. Reconocida por su trabajo promoviendo la inclusión natural de las personas por su individualidad, Eliana ha sida reconocida por celebridades como Araceli Arámbula, Thalia, María Celeste Arrarás, Karen Martínez, y más. Su historia ha sido compartida por las cadenas mundiales más importantes: Univisión, Telemundo, CNN, y Azteca América. Nombrada Bloguera Latina Inspiración 2014 en USA, en este espacio Eliana comparte sus vivencias y recursos con más de 200.000 visitantes al mes.

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