Dear Maddie,
I suppose it's only fair your "birthday" post is 4 months late. Your brothers might feel slighted if I actually completed yours closer to the actual date. Your momma is a procrastinator. I learned recently that procrastination could be evidence I am simply allowing my creative processes to unfold. Yeah, we'er gonna go with that. Thanks, NPR.
Anyway, enough about me. How about you? What a year you had! Friendships, parties, sports, a move. You have moved through it all with a beauty and grace that is astounding. Your dad and I shake our heads when we talk about the little lady you have become.
Your 10th year of life was full of change. You changed schools, churches, homes, neighborhoods, routines. Moving is not your favorite thing. You develop deep roots. You value close physical ties with family and friends. Quality time is one of your love languages. When that quality time with a loved one is disrupted by a move, it hurts.
It is my one of my heart's deepest desires that you will understand the reasons for our moves - that you will see them in the positive light that I do. You are so very close to your brothers, and to me, and to dad. I credit God and our moves for that. Had we stayed in one spot, I think we never would have known just how close we could be.
And my dear, we are close. My heart aches when I think of how much I love you. I am gazing at your school picture on the wall as I type this. One day we may look at this photo and giggle at the trendy background but never at your smile. So open and genuine. Sometimes when I consider all the pain in the world, I just want to wrap you in my arms and shield you forever. But I know that is not your destiny. You are here to bring light to the world. You can and do already.
You are not a natural extrovert like your older brother. You do not seek out attention or consider a room full of people to be an opportunity to make a huge group of friends. You are careful and attentive. You notice people. You reach out to the new girl in school and offer encouragement. You invite the girl at the party sitting all alone to come and join your group at the table. You don't do these things because they are easy for you. You do them because you have empathy. Know that I see you, Maddie. Every time. I am so proud of you.
You played basketball and volleyball for the first time this year. It was so good for you. It was great to have two very different coaches with different styles. It was painful at times, but it was good for you to make mistakes, to be corrected, to learn that you aren't expected to have all the answers. You handled yourself beautifully. You never gave up, and you learned what you genuinely enjoy. (We'll be doing volleyball again in the spring but probably not basketball.)
You are a joy to have at home. You still tutor your younger brothers, setting up "school" upstairs, complete with a whiteboard, assignments, and a prize box. You often ask, "What can I do to help?" when I'm making dinner. You love to take Abigail Fluffypants on walks. You love to study the Greek and Latin roots of words with your friend, Berklee, as you both bounce around the trampoline. You have your evening routine (picking up your toys, brushing and flossing, reading, etc.) down to an exact science. Your room, painted "Sprinkle," is a bright teal blue filled with furry rugs and pillows. It is just like you, bright and warm and fuzzy.
Maddie, I hope you can tell by reading this post that I am beyond thrilled to be your momma. I know that this next year, from 11 to 12, will be even better than the last. I love you so much, dear girl! Happy birthday!
I suppose it's only fair your "birthday" post is 4 months late. Your brothers might feel slighted if I actually completed yours closer to the actual date. Your momma is a procrastinator. I learned recently that procrastination could be evidence I am simply allowing my creative processes to unfold. Yeah, we'er gonna go with that. Thanks, NPR.
Anyway, enough about me. How about you? What a year you had! Friendships, parties, sports, a move. You have moved through it all with a beauty and grace that is astounding. Your dad and I shake our heads when we talk about the little lady you have become.
Your 10th year of life was full of change. You changed schools, churches, homes, neighborhoods, routines. Moving is not your favorite thing. You develop deep roots. You value close physical ties with family and friends. Quality time is one of your love languages. When that quality time with a loved one is disrupted by a move, it hurts.
It is my one of my heart's deepest desires that you will understand the reasons for our moves - that you will see them in the positive light that I do. You are so very close to your brothers, and to me, and to dad. I credit God and our moves for that. Had we stayed in one spot, I think we never would have known just how close we could be.
And my dear, we are close. My heart aches when I think of how much I love you. I am gazing at your school picture on the wall as I type this. One day we may look at this photo and giggle at the trendy background but never at your smile. So open and genuine. Sometimes when I consider all the pain in the world, I just want to wrap you in my arms and shield you forever. But I know that is not your destiny. You are here to bring light to the world. You can and do already.
You are not a natural extrovert like your older brother. You do not seek out attention or consider a room full of people to be an opportunity to make a huge group of friends. You are careful and attentive. You notice people. You reach out to the new girl in school and offer encouragement. You invite the girl at the party sitting all alone to come and join your group at the table. You don't do these things because they are easy for you. You do them because you have empathy. Know that I see you, Maddie. Every time. I am so proud of you.
You played basketball and volleyball for the first time this year. It was so good for you. It was great to have two very different coaches with different styles. It was painful at times, but it was good for you to make mistakes, to be corrected, to learn that you aren't expected to have all the answers. You handled yourself beautifully. You never gave up, and you learned what you genuinely enjoy. (We'll be doing volleyball again in the spring but probably not basketball.)
You are a joy to have at home. You still tutor your younger brothers, setting up "school" upstairs, complete with a whiteboard, assignments, and a prize box. You often ask, "What can I do to help?" when I'm making dinner. You love to take Abigail Fluffypants on walks. You love to study the Greek and Latin roots of words with your friend, Berklee, as you both bounce around the trampoline. You have your evening routine (picking up your toys, brushing and flossing, reading, etc.) down to an exact science. Your room, painted "Sprinkle," is a bright teal blue filled with furry rugs and pillows. It is just like you, bright and warm and fuzzy.
Maddie, I hope you can tell by reading this post that I am beyond thrilled to be your momma. I know that this next year, from 11 to 12, will be even better than the last. I love you so much, dear girl! Happy birthday!
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