To My Oldest Daughter;

To my sweet girl,

From the moment I first held you, I knew I would love you forever. You were my first everything — my first heartbeat outside of my own, my first lessons in unconditional love, and the first piece of my heart to walk around outside of me.

I know so much time has passed. I know things may feel complicated or confusing. But I want you to know with every breath I take, I have missed you. I have never stopped trying to reach you — with letters, with prayers, with every ounce of hope I have.

You are strong. You’ve always been strong. I see that in the little girl who used to lead the way, who felt things deeply, and who carried herself with quiet courage. I don’t know what you’ve been told, but please hear this from me, your mom: I never walked away. I never gave up. I’ve been here — waiting, hoping, loving you through it all.

You deserve to know the full story one day, and I’ll be here to tell it gently and truthfully when you’re ready. No matter what, my love for you will never change. Nothing can take that away.

With all my love,

Mom