I am your creation.
I'm neither perfect nor imperfect. I'm somewhere in between.
You've shown me everything you've known.
You've taught me what is right and what is wrong.
I'm strong, smart, and independent. I'm your prodigy.
I'm a working masterpiece, changing with every new thing I learn.
You continue to teach me, to raise me.
Even when the law says I'm old enough to teach myself.
You haven't given up on me.
Through all the headaches, heartbreaks, and finances, you're still here.
You've had moments when you've cursed me out.
Told me I'm no good, that I'm not your problem anymore.
You're completely done with me.
I get it. Remember what I said.
I'm not perfect. I'm not imperfect.
I've got a few tweaks, I'm still learning.
Just because I haven't learned yet doesn't mean it's the end of the world.
If I can't talk, I can't change my mind.
I can't speak, I can't learn, I can't be changed.

So please don't yell. Don't tell me you don't care.
Remember when I crawled on your floor?
You didn't yell because I couldn't walk up the stairs.
You didn't yell because I couldn't read a book.
You didn't yell because you couldn't. Why?
Because I didn't know better.
I still don't know better.
If you don't let me speak, how can I learn?
How can you point me in the right direction?
How can anything change?

I no longer want to keep my mouth shut. I am an individual.
You've shown me, now let me show you.
I'm wise beyond my years, Mom.
I didn't jump to conclusions, Dad.
I have an idea. Let me express it. Then tell me it's wrong. I'll change.

I have to learn to crawl before I can walk.