Dear Ella,
Tomorrow you will turn three years old. Oh, how time has flown by. My mind naturally goes back to the night that you were born. I knew something was different and I knew that that difference would bring us closer together.
I didn’t know what to expect. I didn’t know what the journey ahead was going to look like but I knew that you were a gift from God, given to me, for however long he granted, and for that, I was and am thankful.
So I took your tiny hand in mine and trusted you, and trusted God when he whispered in a still small voice It is going to be okay. Little did I know what okay would look like, nor could I have fathomed that we would not just be okay, but we would be happy, and joyful, and content.
You see, I was used to the highway. Racing along beside other cars, trying to get ahead, focused on the road, watching for my exit. But you. Well, you were taking me on a detour. I hesitated at the time we would lose but you insisted it would be worth it. And you were right.
As we drove, we followed the ocean tide as it etched out the coastline, along high nerve-wracking cliffs where the waves crashed against the sturdy earth beating a comforting rhythm. We strolled through groves of ancient cedars where we stopped and looked up into the trees that seem to reach to the heavens and dreamt of flying like the eagles who made their nests away from a world of predators. We laid down in green pastures where you taught me patience and how to rest in God’s peace and when the rain beat down we found a warm fire to sit by as we waited out the storm.
No, our journey has definitely not been what I imagined, but then again, I could have never imagined such beauty, such grace or such joy.
And I know I am not the only benefactor, for you have touched so many with your generous smile, sun-lit eyes and free grace.
You are growing up to be an amazing little girl.
You are independent and want to do everything yourself as your proclaim, “I do, I do”.
You are fun, constantly wanting to play with your big brother, wrestle with Daddy, or sing songs with Mommy.
You are inquisitive and love looking at books, exploring new places and trying new things.
You are stubborn and know exactly what you want and communicate it well.
And you are loving. You always have hugs and kisses to give freely. You love to cuddle and it just melts this mommy’s heart when I sit down beside you on the couch and you casually take my hand to hold.
You are more than I could have ever asked for Ella Bella.
I am privileged to be your Mommy. Happy Birthday Baby Girl!
Leave A Reply