From Mom

Dearest Clara,

Happy 18th birthday! I cannot believe this day has come! It is hard to find the words to express all the feelings I have in my heart. In some ways, it feels like just yesterday we were on our way to Morristown Hospital to welcome you to the world. It’s a blessing to stop, take a moment, and contemplate your beautiful life and the many ways it has touched and influenced me for good.

The day you were born was such a wonderful day. It was so peaceful and happy. It took me so much courage to have another baby after I had suffered through so many challenges with my first pregnancy (it was worth it), but it was still so scary to try again. I am so grateful that God blessed me with the courage and desire to get you here because you are MAGNIFICENT!

I had no idea that my sweet, shy, brown-eyed baby would grow to be such a poised, hardworking, charming, and delightful young woman. It has been such a joy to watch you navigate the world, overcome real challenges, and work hard to reach your goals. I am so incredibly proud of who you are becoming. I respect your work ethic, your creativity, your thoughtfulness, your maturity, your kindness, your honesty… I could go on and on!

I love watching your faith grow and expand. I am so happy you have made room in your heart and your life for Jesus and His church. He will bless, guide, and love you forever. I am so grateful He has given me the incredible gift of knowing and loving you as your mom. You are, without question, one of the most beautiful gifts He has ever given me. I love knowing we can be together forever because of His loving kindness. I pray every day that He will bless you with the righteous desires of your heart.

You light up every room you enter! I love spending time with you. Your sense of humor, your insights, and your willingness to share the details of your life with me fill me with so much delight. I am so grateful that you are not just my daughter, but my friend. I have loved how much our friendship has grown in the last few years, and I hope it will continue to grow.

I love you with all of my heart! You are so incredibly precious to me. And I can’t even imagine, feeling the way I do, just how precious you are to God. I pray that God will bless you with direction and insight as you choose your life’s path. I pray that, like the scriptures say, He will “be a light unto your feet”. I pray that He will bless you with opportunities to develop and share the tremendous talents and gifts He’s blessed you with. I pray your adult life will be filled with blessings, growth, and happiness. I can’t wait to see it all unfold. I love you, my sweet, wonderful Clara! 

Love, 

Mom