She’s three today. My beautiful little girl is three. And with birthday’s come celebrations. Celebrations when the house is decorated with balloons, gifts are anticipated, cakes are baked (even if they take six hours to make with the help of a very wonderful sister), and she gets to put on her “party shoes”. . .
That’s what we did on Saturday, we celebrated the big life of my little daughter.
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| Ashley, thank you for keeping me calm all 6 hours |
It was a day when family traveled from near and far to be with us. . . to celebrate. There just are not words to express how thankful I was to have everyone in our home. . . together. . . in one place. Chanelle opened many gifts that were so thoughtfully given. And by the end. . . she was exhausted. . .
And as I sit here now after all of the presents have been opened, the cake has been destroyed, family has departed and she has learned how to show that she is “three” with her fingers, I find myself wanting to give her just one more gift. It’s a gift that she won’t appreciate at age three. . . but maybe someday she will see it’s value.
I’d like to give her my words. . .
Chanelle,
You are three years old today. We had a party for you and family came and gave you presents and many Happy Birthday wishes. You talked for days about blowing out your candles and making a wish. You didn’t know you weren’t supposed to tell me your wish. . . I hope you will always share your wishes with me.
Do you want to know something? I have wishes for you, too. . .
My wish for you is that you know that you are never alone. There will be times when you feel like the whole world is against you. When you have arguments with friends or the boy you like hurts you. . . I know that it is impossible to believe this. . . but I want you to know that these hurts won’t last forever. In time, you will be okay. There will be days when you doubt yourself and want to be like this person or look like that person. . . Chanelle, please hear this. . . the person you are is wonderful and lovely and beautiful. . . be who you are, because who you are is perfect. There will be times when you think that I am not on your side. . . Let me be clear. . . I am always on your side.
Chanelle, I wish for you the ability to laugh. To never take life or yourself, too seriously. The infectious joy that is so present in you now. . . hold on to it, it will get you through so much.
Chanelle, my wish for you is that you will have a faith. Sometimes you might question and you might even doubt. . . that is okay. You might feel at times that your faith should look like his faith or her faith. . . it shouldn’t, it should look like your faith. That still small voice? Listen to it. . . and let your faith be all your own.
My baby girl, you will grow and change and experience many, many things. . .and no matter how old you are, you will always be my baby girl. I will make mistakes, you can count on that, and so will you. We will get through those. But no matter what is happening in your world and wherever you are I want you to know that I believe in you, cherish you, and I am your biggest fan.
Chanelle,
there are no limits to what you can do. . .
With All My Love,
Mommy
Happy Birthday to your little girl! Beautiful letter (it made me tear up).
Oh my goodness! This last pic is breathtaking! just precious!!!
and you have to tell me- how did you add the fabulous music to this post?? great addition!!
Happy Birth-day to you, Mom!
(awwww…just heard the 2nd song- love this song…to make you feel my love- haven't heard it in years!)
awww…..awesome post. awesome mom. big tears of joy for you.
Am crying.
You are wonderful, friend.
You are wonderful.
And that sweet 3-year-old of yours? She's precious.