Letter to My Daughter

Kaili Georgie,

On June 10th, 1999 my life changed forever when you made me a Mom.  I will never ever forget the bond we had right away. I did not think it was possible to love more than I loved those in my life already until you were born. When they announced “it’s a Girl”, I broke down in tears because I so badly wanted a girl, a daughter, a little BFF to love, to dress, to dance with, to shop with, to build up, and to step into her greatness and shine bright in the world. 

You are a dream come true!

You are the best of Dad and me. We could not be any more proud of you.     You became the center of my universe, and it was you and I that grew together, a mother and her beautiful baby girl.   As a baby, you were delightful, adorable, and our pride and joy!  While adorable on the outside, it has always been your spirit and nature that have been irresistible to me.

You became a “big sissy” and I missed our one-on-one time. But I felt so blessed by our family. A sibling is the best gift you can give your child (remember that).  You were a little bossy, but otherwise a playmate to your baby brother. 

As a little girl, you were delightful. 

You loved to dance, you loved art, you loved to laugh, and you were always just kind and full of love and fun—silly and sweet would easily describe your disposition.  I have such fond memories of so many times spent together and the Lilly Mommy & Me outfits. Sorry, but I had to.    I pray God blesses you with a daughter someday so that you can do the same.  You balanced your rambunctious brothers (the two cubs) so well, and God gave me you, a girl to adore because I would have my hands filled with 3 babies in 3 years. 

As a tween, you were again a joy to parent.

You were silly, fun, and one of the most positive girls in middle school.  That is not an easy time for girls. While I am sure you had challenges, you always remained who you are kind, loving, and spirited. I could not be more proud to be your Mom.  People talk about the teenage years and girls, but my darling, I adored those years. While there may have been a few moments of “Kaili, what’s that in your bag?”, by far it was so much fun.  

Dad and I always enjoyed you, parenting you, and being with you.

How blessed we are to call you our girl.   As my only daughter, you and I have even more of a special bond. We love the same things, get each other, laugh until we cry, and are touched deeply with empathy for others. We share many of the same values and I did not expect it. But when God gave me you, he gave me a Best Friend (as I think about now and our future).  All those weekends of dance, watching you grow from little girl to grown woman has been both inspiring and the greatest blessing of my life. 

I am not your typical mom.

I am not your typical dance mom (no scorekeeper here). I am not your average soccer Mom (because I refuse to drive a minivan and wear mom jeans). I probably (okay I do) swear more than I should. But I love my babies more than anything. While I don’t try and fit in as a Mom, I hope you see me stand out as me, your mother that loves nothing more than you and your brothers, and I will cheer you on and be there for you.  I can’t believe college graduation is almost here. You will begin a new stage in life.  It is exciting and you are so ready.   I hope I am as ready as you.

Here we are…

You are at Nationals with your team, surrounding yourself with beautiful people.  Kaili, always know your worth, and always surround yourself with “your people”.  In life, you will figure this out even more, and the earlier on, the better.  You, by nature, are extraordinary! You have a heart of gold. You are beautiful inside and out. You have a light that shines bright.  Do not let others try and dim your light! You need to understand that has nothing to do with you, it is them.   You already have everything you need inside of you, trust that, lead with your heart, but be smart and discern as you navigate (gut instinct is the wisdom inside, trust it). 

In coaching women, I share “Go Where the Love Is”.

This statement means be with the people that love you, that get you, and that build you up.  You deserve this! You are this for others and always make sure you demand it for yourself.  Always believe in yourself, believe in God, and know that you are always okay, no matter what (breathe).  Live life fully, enjoy the moments, and always know that no matter where you are, I am there with you.  My love for you is so strong, it is always with you. 

Let it fill you up, let it guide you, and give you strength. I think you know that I do not love anything more than my 3 children.  You are my world, my love for you is endless, eternal, and something that is so special and never goes away.   Remember, you are a Guyer (Mellor)! So hold your head high, know you are loved, be kind to others, and don’t take anybody’s shit!   You are my daughter and my soul and spirit are so strong, I hope you feel that even when you are not with me. 

Bitsy Boo…

You might be a grown woman, but to me, you will always and forever be my baby girl!   God did not only give me a daughter, he gave me the best girl ever, and My Best Friend (I think I can finally call you that).  And know this… I will always have your back.  I will always be in your corner, and I will always be here for you and have your best interest at heart.  Part of parenting is letting go, just know I am holding on so tight while I let go.  You are ready to Fly.  Fly Little Birdie, Fly, but be sure to come home and see your Momma because you are my favorite girl in the whole entire world.   Okay, world:  “I’m Kaili. I’m Kaili Guyer!!!!!! I am ready to not only fly but to shine my light in the world.  Fly Little Birdie (Skyhawk), Fly!

Let’s ACE Nationals!!!!!

Love, Mommy