Sweet Sixteen

Today is Golda's sixteenth birthday!  Read what she wrote on her blog last night as the clock turned.  I never thought she would be a whole continent away on this momentous day.  She and I always envisioned a big party for her Sweet Sixteen, lots of people, maybe a limo, something extravagant.  Twinkle lights, painfully delightful decor and catered food.  We dreamed big!  We dreamed magazine-spread big.  Soiree in the Hamptons big.  Pinterest meets The Great Gatsby.

Well, this morning, Golda is at church at the Manhattan Second Ward.  In so many ways, that is more Golda than a party at home.  She loves the gospel.  She loves to travel.  She loves her dad and Ruby.  She is right where she belongs.

I am proud of Golda for who she is and who she is becoming.  She is a beautiful dancer.  She is an accomplished musician.  She is an excellent student.  She is a caring sister.  She is a dutiful daughter.  She is organized, driven, faithful, focused, mature, pure, creative and fun.

When Golda was born, she was so beautiful, I never thought she could become more so.  Now she is sixteen, and her beauty comes from her daily development of her God-given gifts and her daily striving to become the woman Heavenly Father intended her to be.  She is aware of her potential as well as her shortcomings, and she does not waver from the path that will allow her to reach her goals.

Golda, you astound and inspire me.  Dad and I are so lucky to have you and your example.  Happy Sweet Sixteen!