rebekah,
my first-born. i love you so very much. from the day you were born, a new part of me was opened up. the part where i'm a MOM. you bring us such joy - your laugh is so fun and contagious. you are a very STRONG person. daddy and i pray that you will use that strength and stubbornness in ways that God wants you to. and we get so sad when you use that strength to hurt others or yourself. but we trust that is how God is going to use you - with your incredible strength. we trust that He will accomplish much through you. and we can't wait to watch.
we've made lots of mistakes as parents. especially since you are our oldest. but you are so forgiving and patient with us.
you are quick with hugs and kisses. you love to take care of your brothers and sister. you are (mostly) patient with them. and i love how well you all play together and are FRIENDS. and as our afternoons turn into evenings and you sense me getting "wound up" - i often hear, "is there anything i can do for you, mom?" from you. thanks for your compassion and kindness for ME.
but you are changing. right before my eyes. just in the last month we've been noticing it. you are making responsible decisions. and choosing the "right" thing. and you are talking my ear off when you get home (you used to not tell me much about your day). i love hearing all the details. and i loved your excitement when you came home yesterday and said, "mom! my school is collecting food for the poor!" you heard the announcement and remembered and want to ACT on it. i pray that desire continues and grows in your heart - to care for "the least of these." when daddy and i talk at night, we both mention it. you are "mellowing" and "maturing" and it makes me sad in a way - that you are growing up so fast. but i'm also so very excited. so excited to enter this new phase with you - whatever it is (that's the thing with you being the oldest! i don't quite know what to expect!) i look forward to watching what God has in store for you next. and i will be here - ready to help guide you the best i can. it is an honor and i count it one of my greatest blessings.
you challenge me. you challenge me to be a better mom, and person. i know you are watching my every move and decision and that challenges me.
thank you for who you are, rebekah. we are on the edge of a new chapter with you. i can feel it. and i just want to remember when it was and how i was feeling.
i love you so much.
love, mom
7 comments:
oh my...i am in tears! what a wonderful letter to her! thanks for sharing it. it is so special to watch them grow and change.
hey, guess what- i think you are a pretty to-notch stellar mom:)
Umm..I need a kleenex now...
Love you ;)
Precious, precious, precious....and of course the tears are flowing. A mom....the role that envelopes us...gives us the greatest joy and the greatest challenges....and fills our hearts to overflowing. Your Rebekah is amazing. It takes me back to some wonderful days....of a little girl...our oldest....and most responsible....helpful and full of fun for me....YOU. I love you both dearly. Your Mom and Grandma
crying!
Wow. What an incredible letter to read as I expect my "Rebekah", my first born. It's overwhelming, but your letter makes it oh so exciting too. Thank you for sharing this.
I love that picture of her.
Both the physical one and the one you can read.
I am crying. My Lydia sounds very similar to your Rebekah and I am that same happy/sad all the time with her. Cool feeling! Love that letter.
Post a Comment