She’s four today.
Four years old.
I will skip the cliche’ “where did the time go?, although I do feel that. I will, however, take this moment to honor this beautiful little girl on her special day. This incredible soul that entered our life on a crisp fall afternoon and with one look into our eyes captured our hearts forever.
My little girl is Four.
When you become a Mom, everything changes. (I’m sure it’s true for Father’s, too) What is that saying? The one about being a mother means your heart is no longer yours, but it wanders wherever your children are. Oh, that is so true. I gladly send my heart to wherever this little girl roams.
As I sat down to write this I felt an immediate tremor in that still very tender part of my heart. The part of my heart that knows the preciousness of the mother/daughter relationship. The part of my heart that longs for my Mom. The part of my heart that, more than anything, longs for my Mom’s words. So, while I know that my little girl is just four years old, I believe that the greatest gift I can give her is my words. And while she might not get it now, someday I trust that she will visit this space and be thankful for them.
Chanelle, I love you. With all of my heart, I love you.
You’re probably thinking, of course you do because you’re my Mom. It’s true that I love you because you are my daughter, but there is so much more than that. Chanelle, I love you for the person you are today. For the way you literally light up a room when you walk into it. When you walk out of the room do you want to know what we say about you? We say, she’s is just so happy. . . like a ball of sunshine. Oh, Chanelle, that’s exactly what you are. Every day you lighten our hearts.
People often make comments to us about how beautiful you are. It’s true, you are beautiful. But you know what? There is so much more to you. What I want to say to those people is, oh, if you only knew her heart. Your heart, Chanelle, is even more stunning. At four years old you carry within you a heart that is deep, sensitive, and pure. A heart that, on some days, I can almost see by looking into your eyes.
Today, Chanelle, you are four years old and I want to tell you. . . there is nothing you can’t do. My prayer for you is that you will continue to grow into the person God created you to be. That your heart will be filled with dreams and your soul the courage to walk toward them. That you will always be comfortable in your skin and know that the way you were created is perfect.
Chanelle, I love that you marvel at simple things. . .
That you walk to the beat of your own drum. . .
That you are able to bring out Daddy’s “crinkle eye” smile. . .
And that you are always filled with awe and wonder. . .
Oh, Chanelle, I pray you never lose that.
As your mom I look at you and know that you will change and grow and experience so many things in the years to come. I realize there are days when we may not see eye to eye. I understand that we will not always understand each other. But you know what? I will always be your Mom. I will always remember the way it felt to have you tucked in the crook of my arm and what it was like to sneak into your room just to hear the sound of your breathing. But even though I will try my hardest, I will make mistakes. I won’t have all the answers. There will likely be difficult days. No matter what, though, I will always support you. I will always cheer you on. I will always love you.
So today I just wanted to take a moment to say I love you and to thank you for the joy your continuously bring to our lives. I want you to know that we are so very proud of you. And Chanelle? I want you to know that if I had my pick of all the little girls in the world to call my own. . .
Happy Birthday my Sweet Girl.
Love,
Mommy
Ok now that I have tears in my eyes! Yes Chsnnele there is nothing you can't do. I love your hugs and smiles when I come to the door, or to snuggle while we read. You have an awesome mom and dad and big brother who love you plus so many more! You bring me sunshine. Your heart is sweet. I hope you got the card I sent to daddy's email today. Love you. Your mom is so special!
eyes welled up with joyful tears! i'm so glad you have each other to call "mom" and "daughter". so special.
happy birthday, chanelle!! love, Auntie M.
Happy Birthday Chanelle!
…and now I'm crying. What a sweet, special letter to her. I sometimes feel as though we are living the same life. My husband and I were just talking last night about our children and what we want for them…the conversation turned to wanting their hearts to be good. Interesting that you wrote about the same thing this morning.
Okay…I always seem to end up crying when I come to visit you!! (that's a good thing, of course!) 🙂 So sweet and so beautiful are the words you wrote! As I'm entering the pre-teen phase with my two almost 12 yr olds, this post just brings everything in focus for me that is in my heart…I'm starting to experience the "difficult days" and it's hard-but still I wouldn't trade being a mom for anything!!
Happy birthday Chanelle!! Have a great day and eat lots of cake!!
Chills. Chills. Chills.
I adore this post for so many reasons. Primarily because I relate. Oh, how I relate.
You have a gift, dear Summer. Not only is it that sweet little four-year-old, but it's the gift of the written word. Your blog is amazing.