Miss Norah,
You just hugged me goodnight, and I reminded you that you’re one of the best things that ever happened to me. You went to your bed, one last time as a nine-year-old, with a glimmer in your eye that sparkles the anticipation of tomorrow.
I don’t know if I’ve told you in person how I’ve always thought of you as my Sunshine baby. Your oldest brother was my first miracle and the answer to a lifetime of prayers. After he was born, I lost a baby while I was pregnant. When a baby is born after a loss like that, the next child born is considered a rainbow baby. Your second brother was the rainbow after the storm.
You, my girl, have always been the sunshine that followed.
I know I have told you how you were a big surprise, from the moment I found out I was pregnant with you, to the ultrasound where I was told you were a girl (after I was so certain I was meant to be a “boy mom” and never have a daughter), to the day you were born where you proved to me you really are a girl. You were unexpected to me, but God knew what He was doing, and you were the perfect completion to my set of answered prayers.
You have always brought the sunshine. You bring it to me, but also to others. You sparkle and you shine from the inside outward. You have the most brilliant heart of gold, seeing what others often miss or overlook, and make sure that people who might go unnoticed see that they are important. So many times, you’ve asked to give money, food, a hug, a gift, a blanket, your time, and your love to those around you- whether you know them or not. You make my own heart swell with pride.
You are not only my daughter, but in some ways, you’re my friend. You are my sidekick for errands, snuggles, and creating. You have an amazing sense of humor and joyous laughter. You sing your heart out every single day. You are ready for pranks and silliness but also for serious talks and matters of the heart.
You are a delight to your brothers, even when you may not be getting along. They have always been fierce protectors and know that you are their own. You reciprocate the same for them, and it blesses me to know that you will always have each other’s backs even when I’m not around.
You brighten the lives of your extended family and your friends. Animals love you too! It’s amazing to see how so many are drawn to you and appreciate what you bring to this world.
The last year has been wonderful, but also sometimes a struggle, for as you start to mature, I’m having to get to know new sides of you. Your interests and style have begun to change, and I must admit, when it first started, it threw me for such a loop that I felt maybe I was living in a dream. The predictability of your long-time childhood passions began to fade away to reveal what your young lady heart and mind find joy in now.
Because you are my only daughter, its taken some getting used to new facets of your personality, some of the sass, and unpredictability of older-girl emotions. I pray that as you continue to grow and some things continue to change, we will both be blessed with unlimited patience and compassion for one another as we figure it all out together. Your brothers are included in that prayer too. In some ways, now that you are all growing up to be big kids, preteens, and teenagers, we are all getting to know each other in news ways all over again. Some days this home is definitely chaotic and we feel a little overwhelmed, but I’m so grateful we are all lead by love and Jesus and I know we can get through any tough times together.
I know from experience that being a ten-year-old girl is not always easy. I know that being in fourth and fifth grade with other girls can be a challenge and like riding an emotional rollercoaster set up inside of an unpredictable wave pool. I pray that your heart doesn’t take anything thrown your way as an attack on your identity, and you’re always able to remember that the other girls your age are all going through similar things alongside you, and it can just be a stormy mess sometimes. There will be rainbows and sunshine after the storms if you hold on tight- I promise.
I have loved watching you flourish academically, artistically, musically, socially, and in your faith. You are a gem with so many beautiful facets.
As we close out your first decade of life, I hope that you know I am always on your side, even when you might not see or feel that is truth. I pray you never let the world dull your sparkle and extinguish your light. I pray the atmosphere changes when you walk into a room because you carry the love of Jesus within you. I pray that you find your tribe and make lifelong memories that you can look back on when you’re an older woman, like the many I share with you about my years as a young girl.
I love you, Miss Norah. I’m so grateful for the ten years of Sunshine I’ve already been given. I cannot wait to see what’s in store.
I’m so glad you’re mine.
Love you most.
-Mom
