dear rebekah

{this picture is blurry...but it's the essence of her...FULL of life!}

dear rebekah,

we had a conversation last night. the first of what, i think, will be many on the topic. i'm so glad that you talked to me; that you were comfortable enough to share how you felt. i'm heartbroken that the innocence that is childhood is on the verge of ending for you. i remember feeling this way when your aunt hannah was about your age. you are growing up. and as proud as i am of all that you are becoming, i'm also sad. maybe that's wrong. maybe i need to be completely excited for you. but i just can't be. this world is hard. people are mean. there are many lies you will have to fight...even more so because you are a girl. bad things happen to good people. good things happen to bad people. you won't understand the things people do and say. and your eyes are just beginning to be opened to this world. as much as i'd love to cover them for you, i can't.

but i hope and pray you understand this: you are beautiful. so, so beautiful. from your gorgeous eyes, to the freckles on your cheeks and nose, to the strength of your body, to your love for joshua, bailey and sawyer and even the 2 brothers you've never seen, to your heart for those that need love, to your amazing creations, to your generous spirit, to your fun (!) giggle, to how hard you work in school. you are one amazing girl. God made you exactly how He wanted you to be...you are PERFECT to Him, and to us.

i am honored to be your mom. i love spending time with you, coming up with ideas, making things, listening to you talk about your friends and your day, watching you with your siblings. you amaze me just by being YOU. i love you, rebekah faith cassada...with all my heart.

love, mom