Amber

My Dearest Amber,

I didn’t know what to give you for your birthday.  You really don’t need anything, and what you do have is in storage, so I decided that since you are a lover of writing, I would give you the gift of words that tell you how special you are.

From the first moment I laid eyes on you, I knew my life would never be the same.  You were so tiny and beautiful and you were born right on your due date.  I guess that was a sign that would later transform itself into the way you always like to be on time, or ahead of time.

You were the most precious little girl, so beautiful, sweet and very shy. Hard to believe that now isn’t it?  When Austin came along, you were the best big sister and helper.  You always wanted to hold him.  You were very protective of him and still are today.  I love the bond you two have between you and how special that is.  It is something that you will both need as life progresses and we, as your parents get older.  Bless you both with that!!!

As a teenager, you went to the beat of your own drum quite a bit, which caused you some very lonely times.  I was always proud of you for taking stands that no one else would or championing the people others didn’t.  It caused you at times a lot of heartache, but in the long run, made you into the person you are today.  Of course, you and I had our challenges, my goodness did we fight!! Thank goodness we both outgrew that!  Well, sort ‘of.

Today, you are truly your own person.  You still walk to the beat of your own drum.  You have done so much and experienced so much in your young life.  Who would have ever thought that shy little girl would grow up to be a world traveler, an outspoken writer, and a very devout friend.  

I am so proud of the young women you have become.

Prayers I have for you…

            I pray you would be able to find a career that really fulfills your potential.

            I pray you would always find laughter.  It will truly get you through moments

        that are too hard otherwise.

I pray you will have many, many more adventures!

I pray you would find a home of your own, a place that would be your retreat.

I pray that you would find the peace and forgiveness you need for the wrongs

       done by churches so you would find your way back to church.

I pray you would find the peace that only comes with acceptance of your life.

I pray that God will always be a major part of your life and guide and protect

            you throughout your life.

I pray that you and Austin will always be close.  
           You will need each other.

I pray you would be happy, truly happy in your life.

Amber, I am so proud of you and so very blessed to have you as my daughter and my friend.

I love you
Mom