Eleven

4.5.13

Grace,

   This weekend you beat your Daddy in a sprint for the first time.  He stood, bent over double at the finish line trying to catch his breath, and the first words he said were, “I just can’t believe it”.  He always knew that you’d be faster than him one day, but it was hard to believe that day had arrived.  I stood at the end of your makeshift track and couldn’t take my eyes off of you.  You run effortlessly on those long, lean legs.  You take off like a little blonde rocket and never look back, grinning with every stride.  You are amazing.

This morning I’m hit with Daddy’s same disbelief; it’s my turn to think, over and over, “I just can’t believe it”.  Today you are eleven.  We’ve been blessed with eleven years packed slam full of amazing thanks to you, little girl.  You’re head strong and independent and have more confidence in your little pinky finger than Mommy has in my entire body.  You never meet a stranger and could strike up a conversation with one of those silent guards in the big, funny hats at Buckingham Palace if you set your mind to it.  You may just be one of the bravest people I’ve ever met.  The first time I laid eyes on you I remember thinking that you must be the most beautiful child that was ever born; I become more confident of that fact with each passing day. 

Don’t run too fast, little one.  Life passes too quickly all by itself without any help from us.  It’s not always a sprint, and you don’t always have to push so hard to finish first.  Take time to stroll every now and then.  Slow down and just be little for a little while longer – you’ve got plenty of time to be big.  Be silly and carefree, and let Daddy and me handle the heavy stuff for now.  Take time to notice this big, beautiful world God gave us – sometimes the sky is exactly the same color as your eyes.  Stay confident, but remember to be humble.  Love your brother; in his world you hung the moon and stars – being a hero is a big responsibility, don’t let him down.  We love your independence, but we’ll always be here for you, like it or not.  We’re your biggest fans, Daddy, Cooper, and me.    When you do run, run towards what is good and right and true.  Look back over your shoulder once in a while just in case you need to go back to help someone who stumbled and fell.  Always, always remember that Jesus loves you even more than we do, and don’t let one single day go by without at least stopping to whisper “thank you” for all that He’s given you. 

Happy, happy birthday sweet girl.  Eleven – I just can’t believe it.  Here’s to another year of amazing!

More than you’ll ever know,

Mommy