Dear Arie,

A lot of people in this life figure out who they are without having kids. Most of them do, I’m guessing.

I am not one of those people.

12 years ago today, I met you. And I met myself. Thank you for showing me the best person I could be. And the worst person, as well.

In any case, I am finally the me I was supposed to be, and I owe it all to you and your little brother. But you — you are the one who taught me to be a mom. Who taught me to be my true self.

With enormous gratitude,
Your mom