Dear Audrey,

This birthday letter is 11 months in the making.

I found myself stuck. The milestone birthday of yours was hard to wrap my head around.

In my mind, you more than any of your sisters, is still that bubbly, bright eyed two-year-old. The one who couldn’t get enough of Dora or Raising Cane’s sauce. The child who did everything sooner and faster because she was in a hurry to “catch up” to her big sister. The precocious 8-year-old who had all her teachers enamored by her empathy and compassion.

Now you are here. A stunning, wide eyed young woman ready to take on the world.

While you are stunning, the beauty I see in you is far deeper than the skin. Words don’t do justice. You are everything that is good and right in this world.

You are hope. You are thoughtfulness. You are understanding.

You radiant love.

Everyone who comes within your atmosphere is blessed to have your light shine on them.

I am so grateful that God choose me to be your Momma.

These next two years will be full of milestones but please promise me this-

You will remember that no matter the hardship, the struggle, the climb, you my darling girl are destined for greatness.

I will always be here along for the ride, ready to watch you soar.

All my love, forever and always.

Momma

PS- this year, or should I say last year’s song says it all.