Happy Birthday, Miss Em

When I decided to begin my blog, I thought I would post during the week and leave Saturday and Sunday as a day of rest for my computer…but here I find my first weekend is a day to celebrate – and I simply could not let the day go by without a thought for my daughter. As hard as it is for me to imagine, my first- born blessing and bundle of joy – my only daughter – is actually turning 20….TWENTY!! It seems impossible. I can truly remember like yesterday the day she turned 13 and I thought it was unbelievable that she was a teenager – and now she is an adult young woman!! Even with my very small memory, it really is not too hard for me to recall every detail of that beautiful fall day when she rushed into the world……my goodness!! When they were babies, I would write my children a letter each year on their birthday and, quite honestly, it has been a while since I stopped doing that (why did I stop doing that??) but I thought today I would share a couple of my thoughts to my sweetheart….
My Dear Smook,As I think back to your first birthday..and then reflect on the years in between…I am struck by the thought of how quickly time goes and things so rapidly change and, yet, at the same time how so much remains the same. After several long weeks of trying to prevent your arrival too early, you still arrived some five weeks early. For such a little girl, you were very healthy but so very small! Your beautiful red hair was already evident with your halo of orange downy “fluff”! You immediately captured our hearts and became the joy of our life. Your chatter and talk…your singing and smiles…your laughter and dancing filled us with happiness. Your every accomplishment made us proud. Fast forward twenty fast years…yes, you still are petite and your red hair is still beautiful – and, yes, you still are wrapped around our hearts (and our little finger!) You have been through so much – more than anyone should have to face at only 20 – but you are only stronger, wiser and more independent. And you make your mother proud. I pray you know this birthday how very loved you are…..Happy Birthday, Baby Girl. Love, Mommy