Dear Paige,
My sweet niece.
I remember the day you were born. So tiny. When you cried, we said, “What lungs on her,” having no idea that one day you would be belting out show tunes from the stage. Or singing a cappella. Or, let’s be honest, occasionally yelling at your younger brother.
You are graduating this week from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (my alma mater, thank you very much), and I am so proud of the hardworking, intelligent, beautiful, and compassionate woman you have become. Anyone who meets you is immediately drawn to you, but it’s your kindness that stays with them.
I remember carrying you in a sling on the NYC subway when you were a baby. You faced outward, and in that crowded car your infectious smile made everyone smile right back. You’ve been working a room ever since.
Uncle Mark shared his love of theater with me, and wanting to pass that along, I took you to see Dear Edwina off-Broadway when you were young. I had no idea that one day you'd be the one on the stage.
Your voice continues to develop—stronger, richer, more expressive—and it truly touches people. I hope you keep following that path, one that started with being brave. Literally.
You were eight when you sang Brave, standing there, small but steady. Minutes before you were in tears, nervous and ready to quit. But you didn’t. Then, ten years later, there you were, standing center stage in Mamma Mia, singing your heart out as the lead.
Different stages, same courage.
That kind of bravery—the kind that shows up again and again—is something special. Hold onto it. Nurture it. Stay brave, even when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard. The journey won’t always be smooth. There will be highs (so many highs), and there will be lows. That’s part of it.
There will be people who praise you, and people who criticize you. You’ll hear glowing feedback and not-so-glowing feedback, rave reviews and… let’s call them “learning opportunities.” Take what’s useful. Let the rest go. Don’t let any of it pull you too far off course.
Paige’s head shots from nursery school to high school senior. (They’ve been on my fridge for years.)
Keep singing because it makes your heart sing. That is the goal, always. Adulthood has a way of trying to grind you down, so don’t lose that fearlessness. (Like you sang, you’re not afraid of anything.) It will carry you far.
As you step into this next chapter, know that your family is right behind you, cheering you on, and bragging about you whenever we get the chance.
With love (from your very proud aunt),
P.S. Hope you save this letter. One day, you’ll understand why I kept so many of mine.
P.P.S. For everyone reading this, in honor of National Stationery Week, maybe it’s time to pull out a pen, some paper, and write a letter to someone who wouldn’t expect it. Who will you send one to?
SONG OF THE WEEK
Dear Me by Kesha
