An Open Letter to My Daughter

I cannot believe you will be entering the 4th grade soon.  How time has flown!  I remember the day you were born.  I had a doctor’s appointment in the morning, and he decided he was going to induce you the next day.  As has been the case ever since, you had your own time line, and you arrived that very night.  Your cry was so loud!  You still have a loud voice, though I am pleased that you use it more for singing these days.

I remember your first year.  You changed every day.  You were such a chubby little baby, and you were very extreme.  Either very happy or very angry.  You’re still that way.  Everything is black and white.  Right or wrong.  I don’t worry much about you heading down the wrong path in life.  You know right from wrong, and you’re not afraid to let everyone else know what you think.

You finally grew some hair in your second year.  I was thrilled to find that you had such perfect blond curls!  Oh how I loved putting your hair up in a ponytail and watching it form a perfect ringlet!  Even though you prefer to wear your hair short these days, you are still a girlie girl.  You love to dress up for holidays and parties.  I love being the mom to a girl!

Your third year was a challenge.  You weren’t afraid to say no every time I asked you to do something.  No amount of discipline seemed to get through to you.  There were many nights when I questioned my ability as a mother.  You are still very strong willed, but you have matured and learned to temper your will.  You are becoming such a young lady!

By your fourth year you had your first best friend.  It was so fun to watch you get excited when she came over to our house.  Watching you play with her was fascinating.  How you interacted.  How you would fight and make up (with a little parental intervention, of course).  How you learned to share.  You are still a good friend.  You put the needs of others ahead of yourself.  I’m so proud of you.

You experienced the extremes of heartbreak and joy in your fifth year.  We moved, and you had to say goodbye to your best friend.  I almost cried when I’d find you sobbing, because you missed her so.  It’s hard to say goodbye, but saying goodbye is a part of life.  You’ve learned that again this past year when you had to say goodbye to your grandpa.  You handled it with such grace and maturity.

Your baby brother was also born in your fifth year.  You were such a proud big sister.  You always wanted to hold him, and you were fascinated with every aspect of his care.  I love that you still adore him.  You really look out for him, and I’m glad that he can count on you.

Your sixth year was your first year of school.  I had such mixed feelings as I left you in your kindergarten classroom that day.  Part of me couldn’t believe my baby was old enough to go to school.  Part of me was so proud of the way you weren’t scared at all.  You are still so brave.  You always surprise me when you want to try new things.  That’s a good trait to have.  You never know if you’ll like something, unless you try.  You’re never afraid to try.

You accepted Jesus into your heart in your seventh year.  I have never been so happy.  Knowing that you understand the most important thing you could ever learn in life, just makes me beam inside.  Just remember to always look to Him for guidance, and you will never go wrong.

You bought your American Girl doll in your eighth year.  You bought it.  Not me.  I remember how you had me sell your Loving Family Doll house with all the accessories on eBay, so you would have enough money to buy Kit.  You always have been good with money.  I’m glad you don’t spend money whenever you have it on hand.  It’s a trait that will serve you well in life.  Continue in your frugal ways.

Last year was your ninth year.  You hosted your first sleepover, and I was so impressed with the way you made sure all of your friends always felt included.  You are so kind.  I was also impressed with the way you read to them from your devotional book before bed.  You were courageous enough to share your faith, something that many adults have trouble doing.  Never be ashamed of the gospel.  Jesus is the reason for your life and your salvation.  Don’t be afraid to tell people about Him.

Here we are in your tenth year, and you’re headed off to fourth grade.  You are becoming less of a little girl and more of a young woman every single day.  I am so proud of the way you’ve matured and grown, despite my mistakes as your parent.  Keep striving to do right.  Continue being kind to others.  Always love Jesus.  And I will keep praying for you and teaching you in the best way that I know how.  Though in some ways it’s sad to say goodbye to your baby-hood, I’m excited to watch you become a young woman.

I love you always,
Mom