Dearest Daughter

(Photo cred:  S&B Vonlanthen in Unsplash)

Recently you entered double digits, and for some reason this number gives your mama the heart flutters. For starters, I’m patting myself on the back for being able to keep you alive for a DECADE!!!  Who knew we had it in us?  I mean, those first nights at home alone…like as in without your grandmother taking night duty…were SO nerve wracking!!!  I must have checked like a billion times to make sure you were still alive. Did I really hear you breathing?  Was your chest actually rising?  How was I going to function this next week on so little sleep (cute…right?  I wish I could tell my then self that sleep was totally a thing of the past from here on out)?

You gave me the most precious gift of all…the title of Mom. You were born into the world with absolute sweetness, and thank goodness, despite your daddy and I, you have remained that way.

Even at such an early age, you brought just pure goodness to the world. God has given you a gift and an ability to connect with others beyond your years. You are thoughtful, generous with your time, and the first to lend a helping hand. Sweet child, the size of your heart causes mine to explode with joy.

Like me, you quickly traded in the bows and dresses for athletic gear and jerseys. Your love of the game, the way you respect your teammates, and how you leave it all out in the pitch/court/field makes us so proud. Your determination is equally evident in the classroom where your curiosity and thirst for knowledge continues to grow.  As you move through life, I pray you continue this desire for spiritual and personal growth.  

Your daddy and I want you to reach for the stars, dream big, find your purpose…but we pray that you keep God first in your life. May you always seek Him, find rest in His arms, and trust in His eternal promises.

The world can be a dark place, full of burden and heartache, but know you are NEVER alone. On the other hand, this world has so much light, and my faith is continually renewed by experiencing life through your eyes. I have no doubt that you will change this world…and we will be right beside you cheering you on (like literally beside you 🤣).

When fear of what our world has become gets the best of me, I can look into your eyes and understand that there is far more GOOD in this world, and we are all better for having you in it!

We love you, baby girl, to the moon and back…and back again.  Know that there is nowhere you can go, nothing you can say, nothing you could ever do that would stop us from loving you.  

Love,

Mommy

“This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”