Kristine Joy, Writer

Write about one thing you didn’t expect to be grateful for this year, and why it surprised you (per this mission).

I didn’t expect to be grateful for the fact that Em “awakened to the World” because I didn’t know that 2025 was the year in which she would do so.

(I had termed it “all grown up”, but Eric’s reference to waking was far more literary!)

Back in October, I was tasked with coming outside to take a picture (the one that I used as the feature photo for this post of course) and that is the moment that it hit me.

She’s all grown up. And she’s extraordinary! Gorgeous. Unadorned elegance. Comfortable in her own skin. Responsible; good head on her shoulders. Kind and caring. Fun loving. Empathetic. Enjoys learning. Laughs a lot. Makes me laugh a lot. Invested in passions (that are still evolving, and may change, but willingly vulnerable in her pursuits). Has opinions and strong will. Way wiser than her age (and wise enough to know that, but also respectful of those wiser and aware of how little a single person can actually know). High EQ; she reads a room faster than Eric reads books. Is creative and works with laser focus.

Because I know that actions speak louder than words, I present to you the actions that led up to said revelation, and since, that land me right back in the driveway, counting down 3-2-1, snap, lightning bolt.

• Em started driving herself to and from Chicago to visit her Dad and Co.
• More than occasionally, she makes gift baskets for friends (and not necessarily because of occasion).
  • And they are tuned to the individual!
• She thanks us for all things, big and small – gifts, laundry, snacks, money, listening, trips, etc.
• She knows when she has hurt or upset someone and apologizes (often, more so than is her share of the accountability).
• Em is honest with us in general and about her choices, and to be honest with you, the choices of her friends. 🤣

Jack: Imagine being too scared to go to an abandoned warehouse with us?

Em: Imagine being the type of friend that tries to manipulate their friends.

• She is sought out by others for advice; me included (and not just for her counsel regarding fashion).
• She has political opinions; often referencing the latest to come out of D.C before we I know it.
• She saves and shares TikTok videos with us that she knows will positively strike a chord.
• She is generous with her our her our her our money.
  • She asked me to buy something for myself for my birthday that I wouldn’t otherwise buy, sat and researched ideas with me on Amazon, and once purchased, returned to the room and handed me $50.
• Em builds extensive worlds in Minecraft with concentration that can only be broken by a hunger pain crying out for a fruit and vegetable snack tray.
• The second she returns from a photo shoot, she impatiently awaits the upload, and begins the editing process (for HUNDREDS of photos).
• She carries herself with confidence in both a formal dress and comfortable sweats.
• She did the extra credit in a class in which she already has 100%….and then asked the teacher, in jest, if she could transfer the extra credit to another class. 🤣
• She has a bond with her cousins that leave her teary eyed the second they depart ways.

I could go on all day, but I’m way over on my 5-10 minute allotted time. I’ll wrap up on this Christmas Day with the fact that Em’s sentimental side combined with her humble nature, in no doubt, has tears streaming down her face right about now.

We’re by no means ready for Em to fly the coop, but we’re beyond grateful for what seemed a year of supersonic growth and her transformation from teen to young adult.

Merry Christmas kid (and I can say that, because used as a noun, you’ll always be mine and I’m so glad that you are)!