And then there were three.

Dear Shayda,

You are amazing. You were born on March 20th. The Iranian New Years, one of the first days of spring time. It is very fitting that this was the time of year you were born. You are a ray of sunshine in my life, and I know in others too. You are as cheerful as a spring day, and you are innovative to create newness and as the new blooming flowers.

From the day you were born you made me so happy. Veida and I would sit up at night holding you, playing with your little hands and feet and chin as you slept, we would dream up things for you. We would sit and calculate how old you would be when we were a certain age. We even did the calculation of "Layla will be 28, Veida 25 and Shayda will be 16" calculation. And now it is here.

Last week you turned 16.

16 is a magical age. It is the age where a car turns into job responsibilities. It is where high school graduation is so close you can smell college freedom. It is where you begin to think that no one really understands where you are in life, and it is your life you want your own mistakes. It is all understandable....we have all had it happen to us.

Sweet sixteen does not mean your childhood expectations are gone...it just means it hurts worse when you realize you don't get things the way you dream them up....and you have an adult like mind that leaves you a bit disappointed. But I want you to hold on to the expectations no matter what. Still believe in Santa, love the Christmas thrill and magic. Love your hardest at Valentines, and still hunt for eggs at Easter. Dress up at Halloween, and Gobble it all down at Thanksgiving.

....expect yourself to be happy. Demand it.

There is a world of people out here who love you. Use the love for good. But make sure to use it.

I love you, and no matter what, you will always be my baby sister who I love with all my heart mind and soul.
Love,
Layla