emi turned 18 friday and while i could be a totally cliche mom & say “well that went by in a blink...” i’ll refrain. i think as mamas we all sense that though, you know? whether it’s sending off our little six year old to kindergarten or packing them up and heading off to a college dorm, we’re always caught off guard. its as if we’re always surprised each time a milestone rolls around.
my mom came over yesterday with a picture of her holding emi when she was probably less than a year, sucking her thumb and cuddling. she’s always been a lover. an eternal finder of the good in others. and almost always a happy kiddo. i have several thoughts of things i want to write about from my own heart, but today i want to share something else with you instead.
i think emi’s a words girl. i know i’ve dropped the ball in this one over the years. not said enough. not said it well enough, or tender enough. maybe i thought my actions or intentions were enough. in a day & age where i think the written, pen & ink, word has taken an unfortunate way backseat to texting and snapchats, i absolutely loved what one of her friends sent her in a text. we sat down on the floor of my closet and she shared this with me. so beautiful & truly what i feel sums up my emi. i asked her permission to share parts of it with you…so emi, happy birthday sweet girl. YOU do indeed love well. your heart for jesus is so easily visible in your actions and your words. i love you & am forever proud to be your mama.
“happy freaking birthday! i just wanted you to know how special you are! you have such a sweet heart emily & i have never met anyone like you! you care so much about your friends and you are always so sweet to them! you want things to be happy & good all the time. i am so glad we are friends because i love you!!
i love how happy you are at school and how much joy you bring to the people around you! you lighten up the mood for everyone around you. and you are so beautiful. you are one of the prettiest people i know. you work so hard to do well in school and i admire that about you! you have your priorities right & i love that too!!
i also wanted to tell you how impressed i am in your relationship to God. to be honest you are the reason i keep going to church and have been trying to get closer to Him. watching you sing and worship is beautiful and i want a relationship with God just like yours.
i hope you have a happy birthday emily!! YOU deserve it!!”
