Dear Sarah,
Happy 17th birthday! It seems like just yesterday – and also like forever – that you came into our lives. But really, you have been with us now for six-and-and-a half years: from the time you were 10-and-a-half.
Your mom and dad, my brother David and sister-in-law Marilyn, were so excited when they told us about you. “Sarah loves people.” They told us. “She's so warm and friendly and she's looking to be loved. She wants a family and a place to call ‘home.' We can't wait for you to meet her.”
Sarah with David and Marilyn on one of their early visits with each other, prior to becoming a family.You moved in with them on December 21st, 2007. Everyone was so excited! You are their only child. They had been “Big brother/Big sister” to others, but never had a child of their own. You chose them to be your parents and they chose you to be their daughter. All of us could not have been more thrilled when you became part of our large family!
Most of us don't have to make this choice in life. We are born into our families of origin, our families of birth. We grow up with our birth siblings, parents and grandparents. But your life circumstances did not turn out that way. Your story is yours alone to tell. But your life led you to us, and for that we all feel so eternally blessed.
In many ways, your kind of story is one that has been part of our Jewish tradition for thousands of years. We have many tales in our Jewish history where people longed for children of their own, but were not able to have them. Our bible shows how people prayed to God asking for children to come into their lives. Some were blessed to eventually give birth to children of their own. Some found a way to use surrogate mothers to bear children for them. And of course, adoption has always been part of our Jewish culture. When a parent adopted a child, they would bounce the baby on their knees and name that child. Those two acts together would embody the ritual of adoption. Bouncing a baby on one's knee symbolically represented the physical care and nurturing that parents would now bestow upon the child entrusted to them. The act of naming symbolized the idea of “ownership” or acquisition. When I bestow a name upon someone, that person is now a part of me, it belongs with me, that person is now “my family.”
Children represent continuity for the future. You will carry on our hopes, our dreams, our aspirations after we are no longer alive. You will inherit a legacy of family keepsakes and traditions and imbue them with your own meaning and your own values. And you will keep our memories alive, long after we our gone. Our children, our tradition teaches us, are our guarantors.
Sarah, I'm writing to you on your birthday, because I want you to remember all those things. And above all, I want to remind you that you ARE a special person and have many gifts to offer. You are so very loving, gentle, kind and caring. You have an uncanny ability to relate to young children. Your love of animals knows no bounds – whether it's caring for your beloved Greyhound, Sweet, or your pet chickens, or a wounded bird. Your heart has the capacity for tremendous empathy and love.
And in turn, you are loved by so many others. Your mom and dad love you to the moon and back. And we, your extended family – your aunts, uncles and cousins, also love you and care about you and want to see you happy, healthy and successful.
My mother, aka, “Bubbie,” David, Sarah and Marilyn, the day Sarah's adoption became official.Bubbie (my mother), was there to celebrate with you when your adoption became official on April 2, 2008. She was SO thrilled to have you join our family and to sign the “Zeved Ha-Bat” (“Gift of a Daughter”) adoption covenant that your mom created to commemorate that moment:
“Zeved Bat – Gift of a Daughter” Certificate, Creating a Covenant between Sarah and David and Marilyn.
In this covenant, your parents promise to take you as their daughter, to love you every day and to keep you forever.
You promise to take David and Marilyn as your parents, to love them every day and to keep them forever.
The three of you promise to celebrate the flow of the seasons and the passages of life with your family, your friends and one another, as well as to care for one another always.
I remind you of these words, Sarah, because sometimes, we take family for granted. Sometimes, it is easy to forget to show love to the ones who love us the most.
Loving a child unconditionally means accepting who they are as a person, helping them to overcome any obstacles in their life and guiding them toward a life of love, success and fulfillment. Sometimes, loving a child means setting boundaries and saying “no.” Loving a child means helping them to achieve appropriate educational goals so that they can take care of themselves later on in life. Loving a child means understanding their pain, their frustration as well as their joys and hopes and aspirations. Loving a child means laughing with them, celebrating with them, crying with them and putting band-aids on their boo-boos (or sitting with them in hospital ER's at all times of day and night).
Loving your parents means accepting that your parents want what is best for you, even if you don't always recognize what that is. Loving your parents means recognizing that they are people too, with feelings and emotions. And sometimes, it means remembering that “it isn't always about you.” Loving your parents means that the covenant you signed at the time of your adoption is a three-way partnership: the three of you need to work at your relationship each and every day to show each other how much you love each other – even when you are upset. Loving your parents means learning how to be patient and learning how to breathe. Just like they are trying to be patient and learning how to breathe too.
Sarah, you might be your parents' only child, but your dad has three brothers, two sisters and you have seven Sobel cousins. Your mom has one brother and one sister – and you have more cousins on that side as well. Your extended family is even larger. You have also reconnected with some of your birth family. The circle of people who love you and care about you is large.
When you are happy, we are all happy. When you are sad, we're all sad. When you're in pain, we're in pain.
The journey of your life Sarah, will be filled with many twists and turns, as you know only so well. There will be smooth sailing at times, as well as rocky patches. Sometimes you'll encounter bumps and curves that you don't expect. But through it all, you have each other – your mom and dad, and your loving extended family. We are your guideposts along the way. We will help you steer your course. And through it all, we will always be here for you, loving you with open arms and full hearts.
Sarah, as you celebrate your 17th birthday, we wish for you wisdom and strength and the maturity to make healthy decisions. We wish you laughter and joy, success and fulfillment. Most of all, we wish you a lifetime of love, health and contentment. May you and your parents continue to be blessed by the richness and beauty of your loving relationship with each other!
I am so glad that you are part of our family!
Happy birthday, gorgeous! I love you lots!
Auntie Sharon
Sarah today – my beautiful 17-year old niece! Happy Birthday!6 thoughts on “Happy 17th Birthday, Sarah! An Open Letter to My Niece”
I know that you will be loved because you have a nice warm and loving family. Sharon you did justice in writing this blog. Loved it.
Thank you, Judy!
Sharon – That was the most beautiful, caring letter about family and what it is to love. It's not the giving birth that matters, it's the being there for all of the ups and downs in life that matter in family. No one says it better than you do. Sarah is such a lucky girl to have joined your family and have you and as her aunt. And – Sarah is a very pretty young lady!!
Dear Sharon,
Thank you for so beautifully articulating your family's
Story. As the mother of adopted (and biological!) children I find your words and feelings to be very powerful. I
thank God everyday for the gift of
my children and pray for the courage
and wisdom to guide them on their way and help them to become the people they are destined to be. Happy Birthday Sarah!
Love. Gayle
Dear Gayle,
I so appreciate it, especially knowing what a blessing you are to those in your life.
I can't wait to see you in May!
xo
Love,
Sharon
Looking for 17th birthday wishes for niece? I am happy you have come to the right place.
Happy 17th Birthday Wishes for Niece
Seventeen is an age that comes around once, but it’s only the start of your journey through life. I hope that this year is full of happiness, laughter, and love. Happy Birthday, Niece!
17 is a special age, marking the end of childhood and the start of adulthood. I know that you will make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
I hope your 17th birthday is as magical as you are. You deserve nothing less than the best on this special day. Happy Birthday, Niece!
On your 17th birthday, I want you to know that you’re loved more than you could ever possibly imagine. Enjoy this special day to the fullest!
There’s nobody quite like you, niece, and I hope you know that on your 17th birthday. You’re such a special person and I’m grateful to have you in my life.
They say that age is just a number, and I hope you know that to be true on your 17th birthday. You’re as young at heart as they come and I love you for it.
I don’t care how old you get, you’ll always be my little niece. Wishing you all the best on your 17th birthday, and I hope it’s just the beginning of a happy new year.
WishesOcean
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My wish for you on your 17th birthday is that you never stop dreaming and pursuing your goals! Happy birthday, niece!
Wishing a very happy 17th birthday to the most special person I know! You’re such a blessing in my life, and I’m so grateful for you!
On your 17th birthday, I wish you good health, happiness, and lots of love! You deserve nothing less!
Wishing my amazing niece a very happy 17th birthday! You’re one of the smartest, funniest, and most talented people I know. Never change and always stay as awesome as you are!
On your 17th birthday, I wish you all the happiness in the world! You’re such a special person with so much to give. Never change and always stay as beautiful inside and out as you are now.
17th Birthday Wishes for Niece from Aunt
Happy 17th birthday, my lovely niece! You have grown into such a beautiful young lady and I am so excited to see what the future holds for you!
To my amazing niece, happy 17th birthday! You are one of the brightest stars in my life and I am so grateful to have you in it!
On your 17th birthday, I want to let you know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers! May God bless you with all His love and care!
Wishing a very happy 17th birthday to the most adorable niece in the world! You are such a joy to be around and I am so lucky to have you in my life!
You’re such a kind and caring person, always putting others first. I hope your 17th birthday is a day when you can relax and enjoy. You deserve it!
Seventeen is an age full of possibilities, and I know you’ll make the most of them all. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.
There’s nobody I’d rather spend my time with than you, and I’m so lucky to have you as my niece. Wishing you all the best on your 17th birthday!
17th Birthday Wishes for Niece from Uncle
Happy 17th birthday to my amazing niece! You’re always growing and improving, and I can’t wait to see all the great things you’ll do in your life.
Happy 17th birthday, niece! You’re one step closer to adulthood, and I know you’ll handle it with grace and maturity.
On your special day, I hope you’re surrounded by all the people you love and who love you. You deserve nothing but the best on your 17th birthday.
Wishing you all the best on your 17th birthday! You’re such a special person with so much to give, and I’m proud to be your uncle.
On your special day, I wish you all the happiness your heart can hold. You’re such a kind and caring person, and I’m proud to be your uncle. Happy birthday!
Wishing you loads of fun on your 17th birthday! You deserve it, you’ve worked hard this past year and you’re an amazing person. Have a fantastic day!
Happy Birthday Wishes and Messages for Niece
Birthday wishes and messages for your niece are a great way to show your niece how much you care about her. Not only do they make her feel special, but they can also have some pretty amazing benefits for her overall development and well-being.
Here are just a few of the many reasons why you should consider sending your niece a birthday message this year:
i. Birthday wishes and messages can help strengthen your relationship with your niece.
ii. They can help boost your niece’s self-esteem and confidence.
iii. Birthday wishes and messages can encourage your niece to stay positive and optimistic.
Below are various birthday wishes and messages for your niece;
1. Happy birthday, my darling niece! Here's wishing you the best of times in this new chapter of your life.
2. Happy Birthday, my dear niece! You look absolutely beautiful today.
3. Hey Niece! I hope your birthday is as amazing as you dreamt it would be!
4. Happy Birthday, love you.
5. You are going to have a great birthday, I can feel it! Everyone loves you.
6. Hey! I hope your birthday is a great one! Here's the present I want to give you: my heartfelt cheers.
7. Wishing you a very happy birthday and have fun in all that you can do.
8. Happy Birthday from Auntie.
9. A special birthday wish for you! Mad love, Auntie.
10. I'm sending you a bunch of amazing birthday wishes and messages. We always think of you - hope you have a wonderful day.
11. Hey sis, I hope your day is a blast! Happy birthday.
12. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you have a great day.
13. Wishing you a happy birthday and all the best for your special day!
14. Here's wishing you a sweet, sweet birthday! Hope you get everything on your wish list.
15. It's your birthday again! I'm so happy we're celebrating you today.
16. You are so special and I can't wait to see you this weekend! Happy birthday, in advance, my beautiful niece.
17. You look amazing today! It's hard to believe you're already seventeen. I hope this birthday is the best one yet.
18. So happy to see you! Here's wishing you a wonderful day on your special day! I love you.
19. Happy Birthday, Niece! I hope you have an amazing day and so many gifts.
20. Wishing you a happy birthday. I hope your day is full of love, family, and laughter.
21. Today is your birthday and I can't wait to celebrate with you. Here's wishing you all the best.
22. Congratulations on your birthday! May this year be as blissful and full of joy as you are.
23. Here's to a special birthday day, full of love and great memories. You're the best niece in the world!
24. Happy Birthday, Niece!
25. Hey, Niece! I'm so excited to see how you turned out. I wish you a happy birthday!
26. You always make me so proud, my dear niece! Let's celebrate your birthday with more celebrations, special friends, and iced-baked goods.
27. Happy 13th birthday, my lovely niece! I hope you have a great time today!
28. Hey, it's your birthday! I'm so excited to celebrate with you. Wishing you amazing and unique things!
29. Niece, I hope you're having a great birthday! Here are some of my favorite memories from when we first met...
30. Wishing you a very happy birthday! Here's to many more years of happiness and laughter together.
31. I'm so happy I was able to send you these birthday wishes and messages! Let me know if you have time to have a chat.
32. We hope you're having a wonderful birthday! We can't wait to see how many candles you blow out this year!
33. Hey beautiful, happy birthday! You're the light of our family going on 18!!! I hope you have a great day ahead. Have fun & stay in touch.
34. Hey niece, it's your big day and I'm so proud of you! Here's to many more years!
35. I hope your birthday is everything you've always dreamed of. Sending you my special birthday wishes that'll make your day!
36. Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!
37. Happy 1st birthday, you little cutie! I'm so proud of how far you've come. I can't wait to see where your life goes. Here's wishing you a lifetime of happiness and success.
38. Happy Birthday Niece, we're so glad you're here! Let's keep the celebration going.
39. Wishing you the best birthday ever!
40. Happy 13th birthday! I hope you're having a good day.
41. Happy 31st Birthday! I love you so much and hope you have an amazing milestone birthday.
42. I hope your birthday is amazing! I love you.
43. OMG, I can't believe you're 18! You've grown so much over the past year, and I'm so proud of you.
44. Hey Niece! As you are turning the big 20, we hope that you have a great day. Your birthday just got even better with these awesome gifts I'm sending your way.
45. Wishing you joy, laughter, and happiness on your special day! With love and lots of hugs.
46. Congratulations on your special day!
47. Have a birthday filled with love and joy. I hope you get many, many more.
48. Happy Birthday! I'm sorry we couldn't send a card this year.
49. Hi ______! Wishing you a very happy birthday. Remember, you're my extra special niece.
50. Wishing you a wonderful birthday!
51. Have a fantastic birthday!
52. Hey, Niece! Happy birthday! Your wish will come true. I'll make sure of that.
53. I can't wait to see your face when you get this!
54. Thinking about you on your birthday. Sending my love.
55. Wishing you a happy birthday with love from your aunt and uncle! I hope my card made you feel loved.
56. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
57. I'm so sorry this is late! Here's a special treat for you, my dear niece.
58. Happy 16th birthday, baby girl! Have a wonderful day with loads of love.
59. Hey there, Niece! Today is your birthday, which means it's time to celebrate with all of your friends.
60. Happy Birthday to my beautiful niece. May your years be filled with joy, laughter, and all of the love in this world!
61. I hope your birthday is the best ever!
62. OMG, you're almost 18! We can't wait to celebrate with you on your big day. Here's wishing you as many good times as there are stars in the sky.
63. Happy birthday! Now that you're a big girl, let me help you celebrate with the best party ever. Here's what I would like to send you; that beautiful watch you have always adored.
64. Hi honey, here's wishing you a beautiful day, good luck, and lots of success. I hope your day is just as amazing as your life!
65. Happy Birthday! I hope you're celebrating with friends and family and getting ready for a fab day. Love, Auntie
66. You're our favorite! We hope you have a wonderful birthday - here's wishing you another year of love and happiness.
67. I hope your birthday is something you'll remember forever. I wish you good health and success.
68. Congrats on your big day, you're my favorite niece. I'm excited to see you tomorrow and celebrate with you. Here's wishing you the Best and Most Wonderful Day Ever.
69. You're going to be 18 soon! We can't wait to celebrate with you.
70. Hey, darling niece of mine! Happy birthday, hope you have a great day.
71. Happy birthday, my sweet girl! We loved you from the day you were born, and this is just the icing on the cake!
72. We hope your day is filled with all the birthday joy you can handle!
73. Sending you a big, happy birthday wish! I hope you're having the best day of your life.
74. Wonderful, sweet, and cool niece! All your friends are wishing you all the best on your special day.