Celebrating her birthday this year felt different; I was overcome by gratitude to be able to celebrate this tenacious teen girl! Despite a medical diagnosis of a lifelong disease that steals her energy, health, and sleep, my fierce girl continues to teach me how to be strong everyday. To say it has been a difficult year is a vast understatement. I am in awe of her dedication to her health and the many sacrifices she makes with grace and maturity. She amazes me with impressive intelligence and wisdom far beyond her years. She faces constant challenges head on with strength, patience, and perseverance that are proof of the incredible young woman she has become. She is unstoppable!

Life isn’t how to survive the storm; it’s about how to dance in the rain. -Taylor Swift