September 24, 2025

Dear Ellery Jane,

You are the bravest 15-year-old I have ever met.

You tackle your fears head on. You don’t shy away from the pain. You share your emotions with a vulnerability so real and so raw it makes my heart simultaneously ache and soar.

You never take for granted the love in your life, always willingly giving hugs and holding hands.

Your compliments are free flowing.

I am so proud of the choices you have made especially in your friendships.

You have learned this year that life is more complicated than it is straightforward.

You are navigating that reality with the poise and grace that women two times your age do not have.

Hold on tight high school will stretch you. But please believe me when I tell you that this stretching is a good thing. You will come out the other side closer to understanding who you were always meant to be.

I will forever be here for you. You and your sisters are my life’s greatest joy. I am simply grateful God chose me to raise you.

Happiest of Birthdays my beautiful girl.

You deserve all of the good things coming your way.

All my love forever and a day,

Momma

PS- She says all the things way better than I ever could. Thanks to Rachel Platten for this year’s song…..