To my dearest Bea
I can’t believe what a difference a year makes. I thought you’d never get over your High School Musical addiction but here you are with your current Twilight obsession and I want to document this…your love for Team Edward.
Who would’ve thought that taking you to watch the Twilight movie one December afternoon last year would develop your love for anything Twilight-y?
Who would’ve thought that getting obsessed with Twilight would encourage you to read more? I don’t think I know anyone in your circle of friends who’s memorised all the memorable quotes in the book?
Your Twilight obsession is so endearing that I couldn’t help but pander to it too (I love the series…the movie..hmmm, not much!). What with your current room makeover transitioning it from the teeny bopper look of HSM to the dark side of Twilight and of course, your unforgettable Twilight-themed sleepover party.
The year leading up to your 12th birthday wasn’t just about Twilight. This year is also about your love of your Guitar Hero and now, the band as well. And what about your violin? I know you dislike having to practice 40 minutes each day to improve your playing but I know you are secretly delighted when your violin tutor tells you how much you have improved as a violinist because of these practices.
You’ve got so much energy within you that I don’t know where you get these from. I was never as active as you when I was your age. And I am glad that you are doing so much more than I ever did. I am pleased that you have the enthusiasm to do other things, your rock climbing, your vocal lessons and now, your drama class. Your tutor (and my good friend, Janet!) tells me you are a natural when it comes to acting. Maybe you’re a natural drama queen like your mum! 
Your school teacher is also encouraging us to provide you more opportunities in the performing arts as he sees that this is where your potential lies along with your natural talent in languages and writing.
We’ve also noticed your love for story writing and now, you’ve embarked on writing skits and doing home videos. I knew you were different. Your humour is so…alternative. So out of the ordinary. We love it my darling. Just so you know. Dad and I will always be your biggest fans.
It warms my heart to know that you have a great group of friends in and out of school that you get along with. It warms my heart more knowing that your friends are not the centre of your world. You have always been independent even as a toddler. You know how to entertain yourself and have never been the type to surround yourself with people in order to enjoy yourself. You see, as my only child, I always worry that you won’t be happy being on your own. I grew up with my brother and sister and though we fought like cats and dogs, at the end of the day, we know that we will always have each other especially in times of family crises just like the one we have experienced a month ago. I want that kind of love for you too. I just have to make sure I equip you with the right skills and enough love to know that even without siblings, our love for you will be enough.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. For me, it is true. We have gone through so much, you and I. I wouldn’t have made it without the help of your Mama, your Lolo, your uncle and auntie and of course, life was made extra special when Dad arrived. Remember what you said to the judge when asked what adoption meant? That “Dad wants to be the real Dad of me”? So sweet. So innocent. So true I love it that you are proud to be adopted. You love the fact that Dad chose you to be his own.
Remember this moment in time, my sweet. I hope as you get older, you will remember the times that Dad brought you treats that he thought you might like. Remember the times that Dad sends you a funny email or a joke because he knows you like them. Remember the times when Dad will put in an extra sandwich for you in your lunch box because he doesn’t want you getting hungry after a long day at school. Remember, that you don’t have to be related by blood to feel that you are loved.
While I am meant to teach you all the things you needed to know to equip you to face the world, I always marvel at the fact on how you can teach me as well. At such a tender age, you experienced bullying laced with racism. I wanted to lash out on those who have hurt you (physically) and those who broke your confidence but instead you taught me to forgive. To move on. You taught me to dwell on the positive things in life. You teach me more than you could ever know and I’m so grateful I have you in my life. Where would I be without you?
Happy birthday sweetheart. Our Bea bubbles.
With all my love,
Mum xoxo
