Dear Zoe and Talia.

This past year has been full of so many changes for you both, and here I am, writing at Panera with my BFF across the table, wondering what I can say to you that I haven’t already. (You know what? I bet I started at least one other letter that way, but I refuse to look back because I don’t want to know! Actually, I will look back after I’ve finished this letter so I can see how repetitive I am.) But, as they say, I digress . . .

From the moment I found out two of you existed, my heart learned how to stretch in ways I never knew were possible. You arrived together, one after the other, tiny and determined and so damned beautiful. I remember thinking, How in the hell did I help make these miracles? And to this day, I still think that. Since then, you’ve taught me about strength, patience, and a love so deep it still takes my breath away.

Watching you grow up side by side has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. You shared everything—rooms, secrets, laughter, and even silence—and through it all, you learned how to be both deeply connected and wonderfully your own. You have always been mirrors and contrasts, reflections and revelations, each of you shining in your own way.

At twenty-four, you stand firmly in adulthood, carrying wisdom earned through joy and hardship alike. You’re old enough to have known heartbreak and joy, mistakes and resilience, fear and courage and are young enough to learn from all of those experiences. You’ve become two beautiful, intelligent, caring young women who have learned how to navigate the world with courage, compassion, and heart. I see how you support one another even when life pulls you in different directions and how your bond remains steady no matter the distance.

Please know this: I am endlessly proud of you—not just for what you’ve accomplished but for who you are and what you stand for. I hope this year brings you peace when you need it, excitement when you crave it, and reassurance when you doubt yourselves. May you continue to grow into your own lives while always holding space for each other and the things (and people) you hold dear.

Happy Birthday, my sweet girls.

Love,
Mom

Photo of 24 sign by taichi nakamura on Unsplash