Happy Birthday Haley

Today is Haley's 12th birthday. It seems like just yesterday, I was rushing to the hospital in the middle of the night, sleet pelting the windshield, my husband running every red light. And then she made her grand entrance into this world, six weeks early, and changed my life forever. On this day, she will receive many gifts but I hope that one of her most treasured will be this letter that comes from my heart.


Dear Haley:

I find it hard to believe that you're actually turning 12, just on the cusp of becoming a teenager with all the fun things those years bring. I look at you and see glimpses of the woman you are to become. One that is full of intelligence, gracefulness and charm.

On the day you were born, I became a new person. No longer caring so much about myself and how the world affected just me but rather how it affected you. You taught me to love unconditionally and showed me in return what love was really suppose to be. You have brought to my life, the deepest happiness and greatest joy. I never knew what it felt for my heart to swell with pride until you were born. You opened a new place in my heart and made it your own.

You alone made me into the person that I am - a mom. Admittedly, sometimes not the best mom, but one that loves you no matter what. And yes, sometimes I go a little overboard with the irrational fears but it's because I love you so.

All the worries I had before you were born about how good of a mother I would be were for naught. You forgave me for all my first time mom mistakes and showed me that I didn't have to be perfect to be loved.

You changed me more than anyone has ever and you don't even know it. You made me more compassionate, more caring and more nurturing. You gave me a reason to live my life to the fullest. And you gave me purpose. You made me want to be a better person than even I thought I was capable of being.

Parents are suppose to be teach their children but instead you have taught me. I look at the world differently because of you. You believe in people and make me want to believe in them, too. You have taught me to forgive others. To overlook the bad and look for the good.

You have a gentle spirit and a noble heart. You are caring and loving. You have a deep sense of what you believe in, and you don’t let anyone sway you from those beliefs. You stand up for what you feel is right, even when others think differently.

There are many days where my heart yearns for the little girl that you once were but those are short lived. For I look at you and am in awe of the person you have become and the young woman that you are becoming. I am excited for you and all of the possibilities that your life holds.

As you grow, I hope that you will remember:

• Love yourself first.
• The world is a serious place, laugh often.
• Stand strong in your faith.
• The world of imagination is boundless while reality has it's limits.
• You are unique and should never try to be anybody else. Embrace your own spirit.
• Always believe in the possibilities of your dreams.
• The truly successful person is the one who has found happiness.
• Always believe in yourself because if you don't then no one else will.
• Don't be afraid to express your feelings, they matter.
• Believe in miracles.
• Dare to make mistakes and learn from them.
• Use kind words.
• Let other's help you when you need it.
• Life isn't about beating everyone else. It's about crossing the finish line and moving on to the next race.
• People can be mean sometimes. Try not to let it bother you. In 5 years in won't matter anyway.
• Smile at strangers, you never know when it might make someones day.
• There are lots of things that matter in life and money and prestige are not on the list.
• Never forget where you came from and the people who touched your heart along the way.

Most importantly, remember that you are never too old for hugs and kisses from mom and dad. And that no matter what, we love you and will always want the best for you.

Love,

Mom

Here's one of my all time favorite songs. It speaks volumes.