For 19 years, I have been lucky enough to be this child’s mother.

This child who knew that when she graduated from high school, she wasn’t ready to go to college.

This child who moved out to the house that needs so much work. This child who found a good-paying job with great benefits within six months of graduation. This child who is more of an adult than most of the adults I know.

This child who votes, and paints, and brings light to my life.

Happy birthday, Mythili. Thank you for teaching me another way of looking at the world.