My Dearest Lydia on your 5th Birthday
I can’t believe you are five years old. It seems like yesterday you were born a few weeks early and made Daddy and I the happiest we’ve ever been. I often think you were just as excited about your entry into this world and I thank God every day that we get to be your parents, my prayers and dreams came true, God knew I needed you. Your birth was slightly scary for us, you couldn’t wait to join this world and were just under 5 lbs, we spent the longest two weeks in the NICU, but when I look back, since my pregnancy with you, you have always been determined and stubborn and these qualities are what I admire about you.
In the last five years, you have taught me so much about life, patience and enjoying the small things in life.
You’ve been a 5 am riser since the first day we brought you home and the last one to want to go to bed at night. You are set in your ways and thrive best with a daily routine. You are like me and rarely watch television but keep busy all day, every day with your creativity while painting, coloring, and crafting. You enjoy being active, the outdoors, and swimming and at the beach.
You have a contagious laugh and the humor of a 10-year-old.
I pray that you have a life filled with magic, wonder, and inspiration, and in a few days you’ll be going off to school, creating a life of your own, with your own opinions and experiences as you learn and become less dependent on me every day. Your world is going to expand with new teachers, friends, and new and exciting challenges. I couldn’t be more excited for the fun you’re going to have, the things you’re going to learn, and the wonderful people you’re going to meet along the way!
Although…
I know you won’t understand this until you are much older, but it crosses my mind often, in worry, as mothers do, and after all we are not promised tomorrow, so here it is.
I must tell you this from my own experiences and setbacks that not everything you experience is going to be happy. Not everyone you meet is going to accept or appreciate you, as they should. You too will learn this the hard way, your heart and trust will be broken. You will become more cynical and guarded of your surroundings. People will say hurtful things and make you feel as though you’re not good enough, or that you have to change to fit in. They will exclude you. They will say things that are untrue. They will be cruel. They will try to lead you to make bad choices, to go against what we have taught you, and you will make mistakes.
I wish there was more that I could do to prevent people from being unkind to you. I will be there for you through these experiences but also know that these less than positive experiences have value, too.
You will learn how to handle adversity, become dominant in the pursuit of reaching your goals and learn to stand tall and proud for what YOU believe in. You will handle the mean girls and boys. You will become a stronger person for it, you will learn more than ever before to love and accept yourself first. It took me many years to learn this and as disheartening and lonely as these experiences seem at the time, they teach you a lot about Life. You will experience the pain of loss and grief. Friendships too will come and go, but the hard things in life are more bearable with love by your side, hold your family and true friends close and return the favor, let those who do not have your best interest at heart go, God temporary put them in your life for your personal growth and for you to learn from. Be kind to yourself.
To me, and your family, you are perfect.
To us, you are everything.
The world is also an amazing and beautiful place. I am excited for your future as you experience all that life has to offer. I want more for you, experience different cultures, work hard, meet new people, try new things, push yourself outside of your comfort zone, accept everyone for whom they are, never judge for everyone has there own battles. Most importantly take care of YOU and YOUR mind, body, and spirit first. Love like no other, fall in love, laugh a lot, exercise, eat healthy, and explore this great world you couldn’t wait to join 5 years ago. Life is a Gift. These experiences will enrich your heart for a long life fulfilled.
I will love you for always, as long as I am living, my baby you’ll be.
Daddy and I are so proud of you!
Happy 5th Birthday!
Love,
Mama
