1,000 wishes I’ve wished for you.
1,000 more will I wish.
In my youth, I dreamed of someday having a daughter.
As your dad and I fell in love, I sat on his back porch telling him of my dreams. He told me that he hoped that my daughter was his daughter too.
A story you’ve heard a million times, and a million more you’ll be told.
On October 21, 2003, we said hello.
Face to face for the first time.
Your precious hand around my finger.
Your head upon my chest.
The last baby that I would have.
I wanted to breathe in each moment and slow down time.
But time continues on, as it always does.
Each year the pages seeming to turn faster.
Moments savored.
But gone too quick.
Each setting sun marking time.
And now you are 13.
A teenager.
Charting your course in history.
Choosing who you want to become.
Marching forward toward womanhood.
Beautiful inside and out.
I wish that heartache, death, or disappointment would never touch upon your life.
But, I know that it will.
And I pray that you become a stronger, more compassionate woman each time you taste the sting of sadness.
I pray that the world never makes you choose to sway from who you are.
That it will never dim your light.
That you will remember that God has a purpose for you.
One that only you can set in motion and fulfill.
Strength, courage, compassion, kindness…
I hope that these traits continue to grow with each passing day.
I hope you are always surrounded by people who lift you up.
I hope you never lose your smile or the laughter that spills from your lips.
I hope your heart overflows with joy.
I hope you always remember that you are completely loved.
And as you make your way into the world
I hope your light shines brightly!
Let your light shine!
Amy
-She is now sixteen. Another milestone. Another love letter written.
