To Riley on her ninth birthday...

My Dearest Riley,

Today you are nine. NINE! You have done amazing things this year. You soared through third grade, doing an incredible job academically. You began horse back riding. You became a true martial artist. You began learning to swim and bike ride. You ran a 5K with Girls On the Run. You bravely decided to share yourself with your new Circle of Friends. By letting these people get to know you, you are not only helping yourself, but helping the whole world. Your bravery has ripple effects that you will not ever know, but they will be there. People will be more kind. More understanding. More compassionate. More accepting, because of you. You are an amazing force, my sweet girl.

Words could never express my gratitude for all you have taught me since you were born. My love for you is the only thing strong enough to have caused me to look at things differently. Because of you I look at all things differently.

Because of you I am a much deeper, gentler, calmer, appreciative person. Because of you, I have been able to let go to a large degree my worries about what people think of me. Because of you, I came out of sleep and began to question. Because of you I have received answers. You are my light baby girl. Thank you for taking me through the fire, and gliding me through the sea.

My love for you stems from the Source that turns embryos into babies, clouds into rain, night into day, fear into love. You are an irrefutable sparkle in the eye of All That Is.

Your kindness, your pure heart, your intelligence, your gift for words and music, your innocence, your humor, your love for your family, your beauty, your dimple, your determination, your love of animals, all these are things I cherish about you.

You are a blessing. Happy ninth birthday my love.

xoxo

Forever,

Mommy