Once Upon a Time

(Thank you all for your very encouraging words of support from my last post.  It meant so much to me. )

Once a Upon a Time....there was a princess that was born.  Her name was Ella.  She was the most beautiful baby in all the land and she was everyone's pride a joy (everyone being her parents and grandparents.)  And then, one day, she was 11.  How in the world did that happen?  When did it happen?  Was it really in the blink of an eye as it seemed to everyone?  Yes.   The answer had to be yes.

Overnight she became a young lady who asks for grown-up things like a Fitbit, cowboy boots and tickets to the Phantom of the Opera.  She became the young lady who is joining the cross country team and is in 5th grade.  It's still so hard for me to admit that she is growing up.  

Ella, I am so proud of you of sweet baby girl.  Thank you for making me a mommy, thank you for teaching me what loving unconditionally really means, thank you for proving to me that I can love one person more than humanly possible.  Thank you for being a rock in our family when things are hard.  Thank you for understanding when my attention is forced other places.  Thank you for setting an amazing example for your sister and brother.  You are the perfect big sister to them and I know that they love you with all their hearts.

The past 11 years have been an amazingly wonderful whirlwind and I can't wait to see what the next 11 years will hold.  Someone pointed out today that at 11, I only have you in my home for 7 more years.  Writing that makes me cry.  Tears of sadness stream as I think of you ever leaving me, yet my heart flutters as I think of the exciting adventure you have ahead of you.

May God hold you in His hand and protect you all the days of your life.