I woke up this morning and my beautiful, amazing, talented little girl had turned eight years old. I love her so much and am so thankful that I get to be her mommy. The blessing of her birthday coming one day after her father and on the same day as her uncle just makes the day that much more special. And of course, I have to write and tell her all about it.
My Dearest Honeybee,
I can still remember the first time I saw you. Such a tiny little blessing wrapped in love and the very personification of a part of my heart on the outside of me. You were, and still are, so perfect. I want you to know that I am so very proud of you. I am proud of the way you have traversed two years of a pandemic. You started first grade in the dining room of our home and showed up every day eager to learn. You displayed the best big sister attributes as you helped to entertain your younger siblings while asking if you could learn to “cook like a big girl”…of couse you can.
I am so proud of your heart and your kindness, your creativity and your zeal for life. I love your confidence and the way you love and pray for everyone. I love that you can make me dance when I would rather sulk, that you make me laugh when I can thing of reasons to cry. I love that you are amazing and fantastic and strong.
You know what else I love? I love that you teach me something new about myself everyday. I love that you have taught me that it’s okay to not know the answer. It’s okay to dance in the rain and jump in puddles. It’s okay to talk long walks on trails when our legs are so sore we aren’t sure how we’re going to ever make it back to the house. You are amazing.
I promise you that as long as there is breath in my body, I will always try to be the best mother I can absolutely be for you. I promise to never squelch your creativity and will never tell you that something is impossible because one thing our family knows is that nothing is impossible with Christ on our side. I promise to keep adding sections to our special handshake. I promise mommy daughter days and tea parties. I promise to always be available should you want to talk because as you grow older…you’re going to want to talk. I promise to ALWAYS love you. No matter what. ALWAYS.
Happy birthday to you, my Honeybee. Stay sweet, strong, fierce, and smart. Always champion the little guy and stand up to the bully. You’re going to be A-okay, kid and I’m proud of you. I love you so much.
-Mommy
