I’ve never cried because of a card, but it’s so easy, in this cold world, to remember that people do love you exactly as you are & think you’re beautiful with all of your flaws & are inspired by you. I never thought in a million years that my growth and struggle could inspire her because in this last year she has nursed me back to health from the worst place and we’ve fought and we’ve succumb to our pride but, I never thought that I would ever see her say that she is proud or inspired by me. The card is gender binary but, all the same, here it is:

“Although I’ve known you

since before you were born,

somehow you still continue to amaze me.

I’ve watched you go through

change after change.

And I’ve seen you navigate

through some pretty tough times

with your heart as a compass

and your strong spirit

to carry you through.

Simply put, I couldn’t be prouder of you.

You’ve grown from an adorable girl

into a most remarkable woman —

a woman I admire, love

and respect more every day.

When I held you as a baby,

I knew that you were special.

When I see you as a woman,

I realize just how special.

More so than I could ever have imagined.”

Although, my mom knows that I’m genderqueer, I don’t expect her to try to follow guidelines to buy me a card & I never expect her to adjust her use of pronouns or to call me any name other than the one she gave me. But, I know that I can’t stop crying because I needed this, more than anything. I wouldn’t trade this for anyone or anything. This made my birthday perfect. This message is specifically perfect for this transitional moment in my life.