Happy 10th Birthday Maddie!

Dear Maddie,

Today marks an entire decade, ten whole years, of life for you.  With every passing year, you become more and more unique and vibrant – a brighter and truer version of the sweet girl I have known and a clearer glimpse of the lovely young woman who is yet to be.

Your first decade has been one to never forget.  So many times, I find myself hoping that I will always remember the way you laughed or the goofy pictures you would draw or the silly way you ask for something when you already know I will say “no”.  Trying to sum you up in a letter is no small fete. 

You continue to be wonderfully creative.  Whether it be art, or music, or writing or arranging, I am often impressed by your innate natural ability to make something beautiful. 

You are beautifully expressive.  When you sing or act or read, we can see every word and emotion in your face and eyes.  You can be very dramatic which can be super fun or a little draining.  Learning how to control all those amazing feelings you have will be a challenge for you, but I know you can do it.

One of the things I love the most about you is that you really don’t seem to have trouble being a friend to anyone.  Your kind heart is 100% invested in encouraging and loving those around you.  This means at times that you get hurt because you are less likely to protect yourself as you seek to befriend others.  But it also means you are gloriously brave.  There is not one kid in your class that you complain about – no one that you say you cannot be friends with – because you seem to see the good in them even when it is hard to see.  You don’t worry about fitting in.  You don’t worry about doing the cool thing.  You don’t worry about who’s your friend and who isn’t.  There’s this crazy courage in you that I love and admire.

Perhaps part of the reason for this confidence in you is that your truest, best friend is your sister.  Even with 2 ½ years between the two of you, you are incredibly close.  That doesn’t mean you always get along.  You are incredibly different and strangely alike all at the same time.  Where Reagan might be quiet, you will be boisterous.  Where Reagan is particular, you will be carefree.  And yet, the two of you are calm, considerate, and wise.  You share so many great qualities and I will always be thankful that God gave you to each other.  I hope and pray that the two of you will be close your entire lives. 

We can’t talk about siblings without mentioning Hunter.  Your relationship with Hunter is a little more…interesting.  Sometimes the two of you have a blast together.  Sometimes you would trade him for a bag of Skittles.  No matter if you are getting along well or not, I know you love him deeply.  You want so badly to watch over him and help him and his desire for independence often butts against that.  I love that you care for him and want what is best for him, even if it sometimes gets you on his bad side.

You aren’t terribly competitive, but you do like to do well.  Winning a game is fun for you, of course.  But even if you or your team loses at something you are still happy to just have fun.  I think this makes you a delightful teammate.  You will try hard and do your best, but you will not get carried away.  Similarly, you are not a perfectionist.  You give great effort, but you let that be enough. 

Some things about you don’t really change.  You still love pandas, legos, candy, sherbet, Nutella, dresses, cute shoes, blue jeans, your Aunt Amy, baking, drawing, coloring and purple.  You’re fun to be with, but you are also easy to be around. 

You are so quick to love.  You don’t give up on people.  And I know God has made you that way so that you can do great things.  He gave you great courage and a selfless spirit to help you on your way.  Its fun to sit back and watch you grow. 

Perhaps this is strange, but I don’t really sit around and worry about your future.  I see who you are now and how your heart feels and it gives me a sense of peace about you.  Yes, there will be challenges and trials in your life.  Every one of those struggles is your opportunity to grow deeper in your love for Jesus and even more courageous in your determination to love others.  You are so strong and so wise at such a young age. 

Its easy to love you, Maddie Grace.  When you love so deeply it is nearly impossible to not love you deeply in return.  I’m so happy to celebrate a whole decade with you and so excited to see where the next one takes you.  Happy Birthday. 

I love you so.

Love,

Mom