Happy 12th Birthday, Maddie!

 Dear Maddie,

Today you are twelve years old.  My memories of that last day before you were born are foggy.  I know your Dad and I had just gotten over being sick.  Somehow your sister had avoided getting the bug.  And as I dropped her off with friends on the way to the hospital, I thought about how our lives were about to change so drastically.  I wasn’t so sure any of us were ready for that.  Twelve years later I just smile at those memories.  We couldn’t have known what a perfect fit, what an essential piece, you would be for our family.

You are, first and foremost, a sister.  I know its not easy being the middle.  You are second in line behind that big sister of yours.  To make matters worse you also have to look out for and entertain your younger brother.  It often grates on your nerves that you do not get to do all the things Reagan gets to do and Hunter gets away with “everything”.  I guess maybe you might think you are invisible, but nothing could be further from the truth.  There’s just nothing quiet or under-the-radar where you are concerned in our home.  You have this great way of fitting in so well and yet being so distinctly different from your siblings. 

You finished out your 5^th grade school year with virtual learning.  And we spent the summer swimming and doing all of our favorite summer things.  When it was time for school to start back up, you never once complained about wearing a mask or social distancing.  You just went with it because you were happy to be back with friends at school.  You made some new friendships this 6^th grade year.  Your friends are wonderful, Jesus-loving kids and I am so proud of how you handle friendships.

You play flute and enjoy it.  You play piano and ask frequently if you can quit.  Music is something you like to listen to or sing along with but not something you enjoy from an instrumental perspective nearly as much.  You sang a solo and a duet for Fine Arts and I was pretty impressed with how you overcame your intense nervousness and gave a lovely performance both times.  Drama is still something you would love to pursue someday. 

You are our basketball player.  You had the best time playing basketball this year.  As I watched you, I just sat there and shook my head.  You are tenacious!  You are not the star player, but you are an important part of the team.  You put forth 100% of your best effort every game.  You work hard.  And yet, you have fun with it.  And I love that about you. 

You have a tendency to underestimate yourself.  So frequently you freak out before a performance or an event only to then go on to perform amazingly well.  Sometimes so well that we are all a bit surprised. 

You love little kids.  Your favorite thing is to babysit toddlers.  When we are at family gatherings, I know that you are wherever the littlest ones are.  I will turn around to see you carrying one around or following them with a great big smile on your face.  I’m guessing your little cousins think you’re pretty fun because you absolutely live to entertain them. 

You still love baking and drawing little cartoons.  You love nothing more than pandas and you are physically and emotionally incapable of walking away from a panda stuffed animal in a store.  You love basketball, soccer and swimming.  You love fashion and fun clothes.  You have a strange talent for interior decorating.  You have the best laugh.  You were not sad to get rid of your braces a few weeks ago and you have the most beautiful smile.  You love to tease your Dad when he’s trying to be stern with you and you never fail in making him crack a smile.  You love to leave little notes.  You love all animals and ask at least once a week if we can get a puppy.  You are convinced your stuffed animals have feelings and if we tease one you will burst into tears. 

This February, you lost your Grandpa Vande Voort.  After a quick battle, he passed away early on a Saturday morning.  You had a basketball tournament that day.  Your Dad and I offered that you could just sit this one out.  But you wanted to play.  And we were okay with that because we knew how much your Grandpa loved that you played basketball.  So we went.  We weren’t more than a few steps inside the door when your coach found you and wrapped you up in a hug.  And then a sweet teammate came over and just held you.  The team knew what had happened and without saying a lot of words they offered their comfort.  You cried quietly at their kindnesses that day.  But you played.  And you made a basket.  And somehow it all felt right - that we were all right where Grandpa would have wanted us to be.  The funeral was a few days later.  It was hard for all of us.  But it was also a beautiful reminder that the best is yet to come.  There was a gentle comfort in knowing that Grandpa was with Jesus and that one day we would see him again.  Your Grandpa loved you so.  He loved your sense of humor (much like his own).  He loved that you played basketball and soccer.  He loved that you were fun to tease.  He loved that you love animals. 

And I’m pretty sure that Grandpa would tell you the best part about you, Maddie, is that you love Jesus. You live your life following in Jesus’ footsteps – showing love to people who aren’t always easy to love, being gentle and kind, being compassionate and generous, being joyful and hope-filled.  You live like you truly believe the best is yet to come.  Your priorities are just right.  Your values are pure and good.  You live life with eager expectation.  And even though you are not perfect, you know you are deeply loved. 

Twelve years ago I couldn’t have dreamed a girl so perfect for us.  I couldn’t have imagined or written a story about a girl so full of life and joy and fierce love.  But I’m not the One writing your story.  I get to read it and play a small part in it.  And that is a beautiful gift. 

Happy Birthday Fluffy! 

I love you so!

 

~Mom