Happy 1st Birthday, my dear girl. I can't tell you how special it has been to have had this year with you - and I will only say that when you have your own little girl, you will better understand.
This year has been amazing. When you were born - with your little cone head, I could hardly believe that you were finally here. Your father and I had waited so long to meet you. We were so excited to finally know the little girl we anticipated and planned for over the past months. You were like my little chipmunk with your big ol' cheeks (and yes, I joked on many occasions that you were storing up for the winter). But, you were so cute - and truly, still are. You smiled from your first day, a smile that was indicative of the year ahead.
Even though you only have a few words, you and I have a special bond. You are Mommy's special girl. I know you. You have the sweetest spirit - and while at times you're blatantly disobedient and rebellious (which you come by naturally, so we understand), you have a precious heart. You hug Daddy and I all of the time - and even when you're sleeping, you pat our backs when we hold you...almost as if to say, "I love you too, Mama." You are already so grown up, independent, strong, and willful...but so fun and caring towards others. You have been a joy to our family and we don't hardly remember life without you.
God has used you to teach us much about His love for His children. Daddy and I don't have it down yet, but even from the moment you were ours, we loved you in an overwhelming way. Just by your position as our child, we love, and have loved, you. The same way God loves us as His children. As God has allowed Daddy and I to care for and raise you, He is teaching us much about HIs own plan for our lives, even though we're old, we still have much to learn.
Over these past months, the overwhelming thing that God has prompted me to pray for you is that He would direct you to become a women of integrity and character. Honestly, I'm anxious to see how that will play out in your life - because I know it's from Jesus and He has something big planned for you. As much as Daddy and I love you, Jesus loves you so much more (which we don't even understand, because we love you so much we hardly think there's room to love you more). You are the special girl we prayed for - so we know God must have something really important for your life.
But, as it's your birthday, I've been remembering the events of last year, when you were born. Many of our friends and family came to meet you at the hospital. Our friend Mr. Erik gave you a lovely book that I read to you even last night. When Mommy was a little girl, Grandpa listened to a song that was special to me - and something that Grandpa and I shared together...and the book that Mr. Erik gave you was the same song with pictures - so you and Mommy can share it together too! I love you, Keira Shay. May you stay forever young.
May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.
May you grow to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay forever young.
May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
Forever young, forever young,
May you stay...forever young.
-Bob Dylan
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