For my daughter

 For my daughter,

I’ve made it my mission to grow.
To look at my pain instead of hiding it.
To unlearn the things that once felt normal but never should have been.

She deserves a version of me that isn't carrying old wounds into her world.
She deserves laughter that isn’t forced.
Comfort that isn’t tied to guilt.
Love that doesn’t come with conditions.

But her path is hers, not mine.
She doesn't need to walk through my storms.
She doesn't need to shrink for anyone’s approval.

I’m not here to live through her.
I’m here to cheer her on
As she becomes everything I never knew was possible.