Happy Birthday, Gracie!!!

Happy 6th Birthday, Gracie!

Dear Gracie Girl,

Each year on this day, it's so hard for me to believe that another twelve months have passed and you're another year older. Are you really six already, Lollie?

Last year, on your fifth birthday, you were on the brink of so many changes in your life... some for which we'd planned so carefully and some we couldn't have foreseen at all. People who'd been in your life daily were suddenly gone - - Daddy (while at the Academy), Papa (to Afghanistan), Judy (your nurse). You started school, we found out we were moving and suddenly you were surrounded by growing stacks of boxes and bare walls. With the move, Nana was no longer around regularly, you lost all of your teachers, therapists, and new friends. Everything that was familiar changed - - with the exception of our nuclear family. Up until that point in your life, new experiences and changes outside the walls of our home were excruciatingly difficult, often so stressful that you'd become ill for days at a time. Knowing this about you and living through it all with you has made this past year all the more remarkable to witness... for it was you, out of the whole family, who adjusted so easily to our move. No small feat for any child - - and truly miraculous for you.

You've delighted in new experiences in ways that we only dreamed you would someday. You love the grocery store, any mall and Costco, you love going to restaurants, you kick and chuckle with delight when we pull into the parking lot at therapy clinic. These "someday wishes" for you have become a reality and it seems that every week I am saying to Daddy, "Can you believe her?!"

So today, on your sixth birthday, I am full of hope and anticipation for the upcoming year (not that I am anxious for it to pass!). You start your new school next week and, though I can't bear the thought of leaving you with virtual strangers, I am so excited for you. I know there will be a period of adjustment (probably more for me than you!), but I am so hopeful that this will be as seamless for you as when you started at the therapy clinic. And once you are settled, I cannot wait to see how you blossom and change... cannot wait.

You continue to take us on a remarkable journey, Gracelyn. Your strength, will, resilience and happy disposition never cease to amaze Daddy and me. And, with all that you've endured and continue to endure, your happy disposition is nothing short of miracle... as is your capacity to love. You've taught (and continue to teach) me more than I could ever possibly teach you... and it's a privilege beyond description to be your mommy.

I love you with all my heart,
Mommy