it finally happened. my oldest daughter turned a double-digit number today. this morning we are headed out of town, so i got her up early and took her outside on our front porch swing and gave her my letter to read. she then was given a special james avery charm bracelet with a few charms to start her collection. a decade ago feels like yesterday. happy birthday my sweet cami :)
10 things I want you to know now that you are 10!
1.
You are
beautiful. Never doubt your beauty. You are lovely both inside and out. I
have noticed that your features are becoming more and more grown up as each
year passes and with that your heart grows bigger and bigger too. You are kind,
compassionate, and thoughtful. You have beautiful brown hair, the prettiest
hazel green eyes, and the sweetest smile that makes anyone smile too. You are a
complete package and never forget it.
2.
You are
smart. You have always tried your best in school and it has always paid off
for you. Never dumb down your intelligence. A love for learning is very
important in life. It will help you in school, in college, and in your career. I
have heard you recently try to deny this truth in hopes of being like everyone
else, but the fact that you are already a grade ahead proves that you are motivated
to do well in school. This is nothing to be ashamed about. It is who you are
and be encouraged to keep doing your best.
3.
You are
unique. God set you apart to be the special individual that you are. Never
try to be someone else. Always remain true to yourself because you can never
look natural trying to be someone you aren’t. You will never fool anyone so don’t
even try. I can’t imagine why you would want to impersonate someone else
anyway. You are an awesome individual and there are girls out there that probably
wish they could be more like you. Set the example and be free to be yourself.
4.
Never
stop reading. Your love for reading
makes me so proud. I love the fact that you enjoy getting lost in a story… time
and time again. It not only builds your vocabulary and comprehension skills,
but it expands your imagination and creativity. This is something of a treasure
that you will enjoy for a lifetime. I look forward to sharing favorite books
and reading different novels together over the many years to come.
5.
Relationships
can be tricky. As you have already learned, friendships can evolve and
change over time. This happens because people are changing and evolving too. For
the most part, you will have many people come in and out of your life,
especially right now. Sometimes you might form strong bonds with some and
others might be just simple acquaintances, so don’t focus on trying to make everyone
happy all the time. Unfortunately, at some point, you will fail and it can be
frustrating and hurtful. However, I do understand the importance of close
healthy friendships in your life. You are a great friend and I hope others
appreciate your gift of friendship.
6.
God is
your source. As you take on more responsibility, you will learn that God is
your everything. Look to him for help when you need it. Don’t be afraid to talk
to Him through prayer. He is your provider, your comfort, and your joy. As your
parents, we love to help you and take care of you, but the older you get the more
decisions you begin to make. We won’t always be there to walk you through obstacles
that might come your way. The Holy Spirit leads you and guides you to do the
right thing that will ultimately give you peace. Start looking more and more to
God for your answers and your relationship with Him will begin to grow and strengthen.
7.
Play. Once
you stop, it’s very hard to enjoy it again. As I mentioned before, using your imagination
is wonderful. Enjoy life and cherish the little things forever. Remain light-hearted
and fun. Whether you are playing with your American Girl Dolls, dressing up
your Barbies, creating music on the piano, or competing in volleyball, never be
ashamed to follow your passions.
8.
Emotions
can be controlled. Sometimes our emotions try to take over, but we can
learn to not let them rule over our lives. Speaking God’s Word over your life
can help combat the emotional rollercoaster that tries to steal your joy or
make you afraid. It’s okay to feel emotional from time to time because we all
do. That is normal. Just know that God wants you to live a life free from emotional
stress.
9.
I’m your
biggest fan. Even though we are a lot alike, I realize that we won’t always
see eye to eye and that is okay. It is perfectly normal to have your own opinions.
The only thing I ask of you is to be honest with me and never be afraid to ask
or tell me things. I’m here to help you, to love you, and to cheer you on. I know
you hear this a lot from me, but I’m for you! That will never change. You can’t
earn my love, Cami. You got it the moment you grew inside me. I may not always
like your decisions, but I will never stop loving you…never!
10.
You are
loved. As I was trying to express to you above, I love you with all my
heart. Your father has been in love with you since he first laid eyes on you. You
are admired and looked up to by your little sister. Your whole family deeply
loves you and your friends cherish you to pieces. But nobody can ever love you as much as God
does. His unending love for you is something you never have to doubt.
