…Well if I don’t get to skype with you before your birthday you know that I wish you every happiness in the world.  You are a beautiful and wonderful daughter in every way and I am so proud of you.  (I didn’t mind the frogs and salamanders or animal skulls you brought home in any way!) Your sense of wonder of this world hasn’t diminished and my wish for you is that you never lose your sense of humor, curiosity or empathy for every person you meet or for the places you go. 

I love my mom. She gets it.