A letter for my beautiful, inspiring daughter as she embarks on her new life and home next week… (The picture above is her leaving our house on the first days of kindergarten and her senior year of high school.)
My sweet angel,
You saved my life when you entered the world almost 21 years ago. I never dreamt I would love someone in the way I fell for you at first sight. You taught me how to be giving, selfless, and unconditionally loving in ways I never thought possible.
For this, I am forever grateful.
People always told me you would grow up so fast. I didn’t believe them, but how quickly you have grown into a beautiful and amazing young woman. It seems like only yesterday I watched you take your first steps, setting your life truly in motion.
Your lifelong obsession with adventure continues to scare me, especially these days where I have lost all control over your choices. Watching you fall from a plane almost put me over the edge, but that big, stunning smile when you landed…
That smile showed me a joy and excitement in you as bright as fire. I love that you get to feel an intensity so many of us fear.
For this, I am forever grateful.
Your passion for wandering will continue to send you traveling around the globe. I will never forget hugging you as you boarded a plane for Swaziland last summer. At that moment, I knew it would be one of many airport hugs I will always dread giving you in our future.
That trip sparked your compassionate love for orphans and your need to end their painful suffering. I know that big, breathtaking heart of yours will bring me grandchildren from various countries all over the world.
For this, I am forever grateful.
As you embark on this new life, I couldn’t be prouder of you for growing in your faith and finding a church family. Even though we will be in different buildings and towns on Sunday mornings, I’m beyond thrilled my prayers were answered and you have found your way.
I wasn’t always the best role model in the area of faith, but you somehow made it back in His perfect timing as you move into this oh so important phase of your life.
For this, I am forever grateful.
While you continue to question your career path, please remember this:
You will be successful in whatever you choose.
Don’t stress about it. You are a strong, intelligent, and incredibly talented woman. I honestly could not be prouder of you. Trust your choices.
And finally, in the words of our song, now forever tattooed on our matching feet:
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger,
May you never take one single breath for granted,
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed,
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance:
I HOPE YOU DANCE…
~LeeAnn Womack, I Hope You Dance
Keep dancing, sweetie…
For YOU, I am forever grateful.
All of my love, always,
Mommy
Oh she sounds like an amazing girl! It’s bitter sweet to see them leave isn’t it?
It is SO bittersweet, Jen! She will be greatly missed, but she’s only going to be about 25 minutes away. It’s an exciting time for her, so I’m trying to focus on that. And yes, she really is amazing :)!
I hope you’re always comforted by how amazing your daughter is, even when she’s far away! My parents now have 3 kids out of the next (4 still at home) and I know they feel the changing dynamic pretty strongly!
Thanks for the encouragement, Rachel! I do feel like she’s ready, but it doesn’t always make it easier :). Wow, you have a big family! You must have some fantastic and impressive parents. I’m not sure I could handle 7!
Beautifully written great job mom! You both deserve compliments for great journey thus far! 🙂
Thanks, Mari! I’m very proud of her as you can see :). It’s so nice to survive the teen years and end up with a beautiful, giving, and loving young woman.
What sweet words. Sounds like you’re both blessed to have each other. I’m glad you linked up at Three Word Wednesday. I’m glad to have you there.
We have been through so much together over her short lifetime. I’m truly blessed to have her. Thanks for taking over Three Word Wednesdays, Kristin. It’s always a great party :)!
Perfect letter. A faith-filled, brave send-off! AND, I adore the “ink”. xo
Thanks, Susan! We are big tattoo fans. You can’t see them great in the picture, but it is a mother holding her daughter with the words “I hope you dance” above them. Our favorite flowers, daisies, are around the bottom. They have a lot of meaning behind them :).
Your little daughter has morphed into a forever friend. The best season is ahead. All your labors of love are paying off …
God is good.
God is SO good, Linda! We have certainly seen our difficulties over the years as all mothers and daughters do, but I’m blown away by the woman she has become. “A forever friend” is a beautiful title :)!
I’m speechless. All those times worrying and being her mother in different stages are woven into a beautiful tapestry. Enjoy this next phase of your relationship!
I love your comment, Sarah! Yes, all of that worry and mothering is woven into her and she is definitely a beautiful tapestry. It is a wonderful phase we are in. I wish every woman with a teenage daughter could read this and know it’s going to be ok :).
Oh Candace!!! I am just in AWE of your precious daughter and that SPIRIT that I can see soaring in these pictures!!! What a blessing and a miracle God has handed you in her!!!
This brings me SO much joy… may God continue to nurture and nourish your baby as she goes forward in His Purpose!!!!
Her spirit shines through so brightly, Chris! I wish I could have posted 1000 more pictures :). She really did save my life 21 years ago. I was a mess in those days. She is a blessing on many levels! Thanks so much for your sweet words, my friend!
Such a precious letter to an obviously precious daughter. As the mama of one who is now married and building her own life, it is wonderful seeing them spread their wings, soar on the wings of growing faith and stepping out into what God has for their lives. Blessings to you and her both as you start another stage of life.
Thank you, Mindy! I can’t even imagine meeting her future husband and children :). It sounds like you and your daughter are in a great phase of your relationship too. Blessings to you both as well!
ok… i’m a puddle of tears! #theultimateparty
I have shed a lot of tears lately, Christina! I’m really happy for her. She has great roommates, but I’m really going to miss her.
Aww — it’s so hard to let them go, yet so wonderful It’s great to know that God has her in the palm of His hand.
She is stronger than ever in her faith. That has made all the difference in my peace with her move. He is doing great things in her life right now :).
This is absolutely beautiful Candace! I LOVE the picture at the top of her going out the door! You are so right about our children leaving home being a bittersweet thing. As a momma it is so hard to let them go but take from a momma who has let four go let me tell you it is so cool so see where life takes them. She has had a terrific role model so I know she will make you proud!
Thank you so much for your love and encouragement, my friend! I’m excited to see where life is taking her. She is in a great place right now, so I’m incredibly thankful for that. It’s always great to see you, Tonya!
HOw wonderful… bittersweet. She is a lovely girl. My oldest took the leap and went out on her own a year and a half ago and even though there have been some rocky waters I’m so proud at how much she’s grown in that time.
Thank you, Anne! There have certainly been some rocky waters with her as well :). It’s a big responsibility to suddenly live on your own. I think there will always be growing pains for our kids when they leave our safe homes. You are so right, it’s wonderful but so very bittersweet.