A Letter to My Lily; On Your Sixth Birthday

My Lily Girl,

There’s something funny about time. It can speed by so fast that your memory can barely keep up, or it can trudge along at such a slow pace that you think you’ll die under the weight of waiting. Six years ago I was waiting for you to arrive. And the waiting was unbearable. Literally. Physically and emotionally I couldn’t wait for you to make your arrival. And in a style I’ve come to expect from you, you did it in your own time. You did it in you own way.

I’ve heard other mothers say that each of their pregnancies were different and that each child was “in the womb who they are in the world.” You my dear are no different. In the womb you never sat still. You were throwing elbows, stretching out legs and dancing to your own beat. You’ve been going non-stop since the day you were born, and I’m deliciously exhausted.

I have loved being your mom every day. I’m so glad that God chose your dad and me to be your parents. As you’ve grown, we’ve grown. As you’ve experienced new things for the first time we’ve gotten to experience them through your eyes, and it’s been amazing. You have an inherent energy about you. You have a sweet heart and a strong spirit. You love to make people laugh and you have great comedic timing.

When someone comments that you look just like me, it always takes my breath away. Being adopted, I’ve never looked like anyone else before.

I’ve always been incredibly grateful to my birth mother for choosing life for me. I’ve been blessed with an amazing family and incredible parents. From as young as I can remember I’ve known I was adopted, and I’ve also known I was always meant to be my parents. Being your mother has only made me understand more what a sacrificial love my birth mother had for me, and what an incomparable love our Father in Heaven has for us.

I heard the phrase not long ago that when it comes to parenting, the days are long but the years are short. I couldn’t agree more. Even on the long days I cherish the time your dad and I have to guide you through life. From the very first time I saw you, you have been the light of our lives.

Happy Birthday My Lily. Thanks for making me a mom.

All My Love,

Mom