Most people fall into categories to define who they are. I believe it is my nature to try to simplify my life by putting labels on things and on people.
I tried to do so with you.
When you were 2, I once watched you stack your wooden blocks into towers, red up, animals down. I saw that you liked order, which meant that you are like your father. I felt relief because i could understand you better…but then you stood up with this wicked look in your eye, smiled a wicked smile & walked through all that perfection like a giant villain, a destroyer of worlds, leaving chaos in your wake.
And I thought, “Oh, she is like me!”
But you are not.
When I think back to the beginning of you, I realized my life had been a series of wishes. I wished for your to be strong, smart, brave & beautiful. I wished for you to sit up, walk, talk & then run. All of my wishes have come true & i never even took note of it.
My greatest wish was to be your champion, instead you’ve become mine.
Most people know I’ve been hurt. Most people see you as a sweet 13 year old girl.
But no one knows the sacrifices you have made because of me. They don’t know that you saved me & that you continue to do so everyday.
You once said to me, “Mom, some mom’s bring their children cupcakes to school, but you’re not that kind of mom…”(and you paused) then you said, “But you have an art studio & you teach us art. I’d rather have that, then cupcakes.
You are a philosopher
When you were 10 you created my blog & taught me how to use it.
You are a computer wizard
During spring break of 2010 you worked on one piece of art, by yourself, all week long. You created the most stunning piece of artwork i’d ever seen.
You are an artist
I posted that artwork on my blog. As of today, that one piece of artwork has had over 250,000 views from all over the world.
You are a famous artist
When i was in pain, you asked me if i wanted an ice pack. i told you we didn’t have one big enough…
You are a nurse
…A little while later, you placed an ice cold towel, that you had put in the freezer, over my shoulders, and it covered all of me. You replaced warm towels for cold, every 10 minutes, all day long. Your brilliant idea lessened my pain considerably.
You are an inventor
Last year has been the toughest for us all. But you managed to go to a new school, maintain your amazing grades, run cross country, then track, play in the band, be a girl scout, go to TEENS, and study for your Bat Mitzvah.
You are a superhero
One of the responsibilities of being a parent is to give our children both roots and wings. But you were born with wings & it has been one of my greatest joys watching you soar.
To better understand you, I’ve given you many labels & I’ve always found each one of them to be astonishing.
You are my changeling, my puzzle & my wish come true
In this ever changing, fast paced world, where time stops for no one, there is one label that is & that will always be
You are my daughter. & I’m so proud of that.
2me4art 
This is wonderful – and such a beautiful photo!
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Thank you, Paige, for taking the time to read it. She is an extraordinary person to love & one to call my own. ~amy
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You two are very blessed to have each other. Peace.
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Just beautiful…
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Reading this fills my heart with joy and precious memories.
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This was so wonderful to read. Brought a tear to the eye!
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Oh, thank you, from the very bottom of my heart for reading it. It was difficult to read it to her, she was crying as i read it & i couldn’t look at her often b/c every time i did, i started to tear up too. ~amy
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That is so beautiful.
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Such a magical relationship between you and your daughter. And if she is half as lovely as you, Amy, she will do herself proud.
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A beautiful reflection for a beautiful girl.
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touching
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True Love – on both sides 🙂
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A beautiful tribute to your lovely daughter.
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Touching, heart warming, beautiful…..Thanks for sharing!
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What a beautiful tribute to give to a beautiful young lady. That was simply heartfelt and touching.
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WOW that was GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)
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Amy – a wonderful speech and portrait, Mazel Tov!
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What a lovely speech!! Your daughter is blessed to have a mom with such a beautiful heart 🙂
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Very beautiful post 🙂
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So precious! 😊
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thank you, John.
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Very nice sentiments indeed – heartfelt, honest, genuine, and important. Your daughter is lucky to have grown up with such supportive parents. Also … I wanted to take a moment to comment, all-at-once, about the many images you have posted today – each and every one is lovely – really nice work. And, if eyes are a portal to personality and character, your sister-in-law is a really nice person. D
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Hello D. Thank you for your compliments on my daughter’s speech & my beautiful sister in law. She is indeed a very nice person, one of the nicest i’ve ever met. I call her my muse. I’ve been photographing her for 15 years. She is classically beautiful. ~amy
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So beautiful.
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Thank you so much, Raya! ~amy
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Mazel tov! She’s a gorgeous angel! 🙂
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Thank you so much! I have only one child left, my son. Thankfully its still three years away. I should have relaxed by then! ~amy
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Beautiful….
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Thank you, Rob. ~amy
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A testimony and praise from the bottom of your heart! Mother and child deserve each other! Be blessed and keep going on your beautiful journey! 🙂
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Thank you so, so much for reading it, Fabio. You got it exactly right about us deserving one another…through good & bad, she is mine. ~amy
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