You Are Like Me, But Better Than Me

This morning an old picture of you popped up on my Facebook feed. It was from 4 years ago. Four years that have gone by way too fast, with me wasting way too much time giving attention to things other than you.

When I saw the picture, I saw your fine blonde hair covered by your too-big-for-your-head beanie hat which I recall loving seeing you in.

I saw your bright-colored flannel shirt which I remember buying for you at the local consignment store.

I saw your big, blue, innocent, yet strength-filled eyes looking at me as if they were saying “I understand life. I got this, Mom”.

Guess what? Your eyes still say that to me.

Ever since you were a baby, people have said that you look so much like me. I can show you a baby picture of me and often, well, you will think it is you.

We do look alike — then and now.

We do have the same mannerisms — good and bad.

I am surely rubbing off on you, yet you are still very much your own.

You see…

You are like me, but better than me.

This isn’t a dig at me, but is surely a compliment toward you.

I am proud that you are like me, but I am even more proud that you are better than me.

That innocence you had in your eyes four years ago, it’s still there. But, it’s a guarded innocence; one that lacks naivety and is rooted in intelligence, faith, and hope. That makes you better than me.

That kind heart that could almost be heard beating out of your slightly-used flannel shirt, that is still there, too, and it’s getting bigger each and everyday. It is the place where your compassion for your siblings, your father, myself, your friends and for strangers stems from. That makes you better than me

That optimism you have approached life with since the day you were born in 2011. You greet each and every life challenge with the same smile you gave to me six years ago on June 7th around 4:28pm. That makes you better than me.

That innate confidence that is unwavering and rarely allows you to doubt yourself and your abilities. That makes you better than me.

That curiosity that never, ever subsides and that fuels your desire to constantly learn from yourself and your environment. That makes you better than me.

Daughter: You are like me in so many ways; too many to count. We look a lot alike and we often feel a lot alike, and well, the truth is that we both simply feel a lot.

Listen, I would never, ever want to change the fact that you are a mirror image of me, but I will always, always be grateful that you are your own unique person and one whom is simply better than me.

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