Sweet 16!


Happy birthday, Greta! Looking back on your recent trip around the sun, I hardly know where to begin. The last year was tremendous on a global level and no less significant in your little corner of it.

 We have watched you with awe and admiration as you met so many challenges with flexibility, grace and resiliency. 

Full remote learning to finish out the 2019-20 school year? No sweat. Loss of exciting challenges like NYSSMA and the Regents exams and collegiate summer camp? Disappointing, but not a big deal because you want to do your part to flatten the curve. Can’t see friends or extended family? Frustrating, but we’ll make do with the wonders of technology.  Pandemic delayed getting braces, so you need a palate expander again?  If that's what it takes to correct the bite, fine.  We are very proud of how you’ve kept a smile (now metallic!) behind your mask and your can-do attitude intact. 



You are tuned in to community, state and global issues. Fascinated by politics and outraged by the frequent hypocrisy it manifests, your father and I know that you will likely be a voice for change in this world.

You kept up your interest in national and international matters, staying active in Model U.N. with a watchful eye on the 2020 presidential race. You were thrilled with the results of the presidential race, since there has been a Kamala sticker on your door since she first entered the race for the Democratic nomination.  Dad and I think your awareness and activism is admirable. You raise your voice to support those oppressed or victimized and offer your hand to help those less fortunate.



We are so proud of how you have handled school during the pandemic, and academically you have had an incredible year. The hybrid school model suits you. You continue to excel in your studies, and teachers are thrilled to have you in class because of the effort you put in to learn and participate. Your thirst for knowledge is rivaled only by your mastery of many complicated subjects. We were worried about you not having time for lunch, but you assured us that it would all be fine. And indeed it has been! Teachers do not mind you snacking since you are polite while doing so and still involved in the class.



Your gift for writing continues. Friends ask for personal copies of your poetry while teachers use your homework as examples or writing prompts for their other classes. They are encouraging you to submit pieces for publication and join writing workshops, and we look forward to you realizing the full power of the pen (maybe even sharing your work on Verily Merrilly!).



We appreciate the extra help around the house, walking the dog, doing dishes and laundry, baking and cooking meals. 

You are so confident in the kitchen, even offering to give Lincoln cooking lessons this summer.  We love your sense of adventure with food and willingness to try anything once.  And since your Lacto-Ovo-Pescatarian diet continues, we have even stepped outside our comfort zone to try more vegetarian dishes.  And if all else fails, spoonfuls of peanut butter for everyone, right?

Your commitment to Yeager and Mittens is non-stop, from long solo dog walks to hours cuddling with the cat.  They both loved having you home so much this past year and relish your attention.  I guess the same is true for dad and me: as much as Dad loves when you join him for walks with Yeager, I love when you join me to watch a "just the girls" show, to prep dinner, or to roll out the mat for yoga. I hope that the latter becomes a regular habit for you, as I wish I had started to practice decades ago. As your father’s new lifestyle demonstrates, healthy habits are vital, and I am happy to see you realizing that fact at such a young age. I think the tragic loss of Bella made more real the need to prioritize taking care of yourself. I hope you always remember that you are beloved and have a huge safety net of love and support from people who are ready to catch you and lift you up.
 That includes your brother, although you are definitely in the thick of a love-hate relationship with your brother. One minute it is belting out “Hamilton” tunes while playing chess, and the the next it is an all-out escalation of “did not-did too” arguments. Most nights you try to resolve things on your own, but we hope you both soon realize the bickering really isn't necessary, and nobody ever wins the argument.  I know that is hard to hear, because you usually do persuade, assert, negotiate, argue, and practically lawyer very successfully at school, in MUN, with friends, and even your parents.  Based on that talent, if your interest in international affairs continues, you'll likely make a fine diplomat or even Secretary of State someday!

For now, though, we'll just enjoy watching you continue to figure out who you are. At this mid-point of your teenage years, I think back to when this blog was titled "Greta Grows" and marvel at how you have done that so beautifully.  Sweet 16 indeed, chickadee. We love you!