Can we agree to have a little chat about that fabulous picture of you that keeps disappearing from our fridge? It’s become a bit of a game at this point, hasn’t it? I put it up, and you’re quick to take it down. I find it again, only to see it vanish the next day—sometimes hidden under a mountain of takeout menus or tucked away between the pages of a magazine. Clever girl!
But seriously, can we stop this cycle? I know you’re not a fan of being photographed. You scrutinize every picture of yourself, often with a scowl that could scare away the bravest of souls. You snap selfies, only to delete them in a fit of frustration, retaking and filtering until you somehow think you look acceptable. And I can guess what you’re saying to yourself.
You’re worried about your metal-mouthed grin, those rebellious curls that seem to have a mind of their own, and yes, your height. Trust me, I’ve been there. At your age, I was convinced my bangs weren’t big enough to cover my shiny forehead, and my straight hair defied all attempts to curl. So, I get it—teenage photos often feel like a battlefield.
You know it’s not cool to speak badly about yourself. I could give you a long lecture about self-love, but let’s be honest, you’d tune me out. I suspect that’s why you haven’t just asked me to take the photo down—you know what I’ll say next.
But here’s the thing: I don’t keep that picture on the fridge because I want you to adore it. Honestly, I’m the woman who turned down over 25 proofs of my own high school graduation photo, so I know how tough it can be to love a picture of yourself.
I put it back because it captures a moment of pure joy. You and your older brother are in it, both laughing without a care in the world, playing with a light-up ball you found while watching TV together. It reminds me of the carefree girl you once were, blissfully unaware of judgments.
This picture shows who you are becoming. You’re sitting tall, shoulders relaxed, confident in your own skin. I see the girl who voluntarily helps clean the kitchen, shows gratitude without being prompted, and engages meaningfully in conversations with adults during Sunday dinners.
That photo is a snapshot of you, straddling the line between girlhood and womanhood. Time flies, and sometimes I feel like I’m racing to keep up with all the family chaos. When I look back at you, I want to see you, really see you, and that photo helps me hold onto that.
Without that picture, the fridge feels a little off-kilter. I notice your absence every time I reach for the milk. It’s like I’m searching for my little bunny from that worn-out picture book. I have to push away the anxious thought that soon, you won’t be running around in your soccer cleats or borrowing my hair ties anymore.
So let’s make a deal. Stop hiding that picture. It’s a piece of our family story, and our tale isn’t complete without you.
Love,
Mom
P.S. And just in case you need a reminder—you’re beautiful, smart, funny, and so incredibly important to me that sometimes I can hardly breathe. But I’ll save the mushy stuff for later; I know it’s embarrassing, and you’ve probably already tuned me out again. But it’s still true, Sweetheart.
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In summary, this letter emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and loving oneself, especially during the challenging teenage years. It reflects on the fleeting nature of time and how precious family moments are, encouraging a deeper appreciation for who we are and where we come from.