1/31/2010

Happy Birthday Amy

My daughter Amy has a birthday this week.  Looking back over my years with her brings me such peace and joy.

Dear Amy,


Happy Birthday, my precious daughter Amy. I hope you have a wonderful day knowing how dearly you are loved and adored by your mother. You have a unique and singular place in my heart.

When it’s your birthday I like to focus my thoughts on you and think about our years together. Even before you were born I used to talk to you and rub my tummy. I remember carefully selecting your name, getting your room ready and making a baby quilt for you with red and white hearts. I was so overcome with peace and joy when I first held you in my arms and knew you were alive and well. Your older brothers and sisters thought you were the best thing that ever happened to our family when I brought you home. Someone was always excited to hold you and love you.

It has been a joy to watch you grow up, develop your talents and grow into the woman you are today. I see you becoming all that God intended. You have a queenly presence about you – a stately dignified aura. You don’t demand front and center attention but when you speak I listen because you always have something wise or insightful to share.

I notice the way you find the one person in a crowd that needs a little extra special attention. I notice how kind and gentle you are with young children. I notice your Christ-like nature as you kneel down and give those you love a foot rub and your unhurried undivided attention. You have the ability to get out-side your self and see the unspoken needs of those around you. Thank you for noticing and responding to my unspoken needs.

I see you becoming a confident professional as you work toward your degree in special education. I’ve seen you face and overcome your fears one by one. I’ve seen you develop your skills and abilities with persistence and courage. You don’t give up when things are difficult, but keep working hard each day until your dreams are fulfilled.

I think you found the perfect companion in Aden. You are both such a joy to me. I love to talk to both of you for hours. I always prayed you would find someone who would honor and respect your gentle nature and kind soul. I think you bring out the best in each other.

Our family will always be better because you insisted that we hug, kiss and say “I love you,” every single time we left the house or came back. I love your hugs and the way your eyes sparkle when you smile. I love your quiet laugh, your attention to detail and the music of heaven you bring into my life when you play the harp.

I don’t think you know how stunningly beautiful you are. I don’t think you know how intelligent or wise you are. I don’t think you know how approachable and warm you are. I don’t think you know that every single time to see your face coming through the front door or think about you in my mind I feel all warm inside and full of ardent gratitude to God for the gift of you in my life.

I absolutely love being your mother. You are sunshine to my soul. I look forward to many, many more years of making wonderful memories together.

I love you Amy, with all my heart.

MOM

Amy Growing Up