Thank you for this amazing little girl. She fills me up and breaks my heart, every single day. I just want to scoop her up and hold her close and make everything sunshine for her, even though I know that's not what she ultimately needs. Lord, please help me keep my temper when she is being frustrating, and help me to remember that it doesn't matter if, at five, she doesn't always do addition correctly or read fluently. Help me to teach her kindness and compassion, hopefully by demonstrating it myself. When she repeats herself incessantly, let me remember that she isn't trying to be obnoxious - she just wants to be heard. Let me help her navigate the minefield of school successfully, knowing that success is largely emerging with a positive sense of self still intact. Please remind me to savor every moment with this precious girl, even as she slips through my fingers. Let her grow up as slowly as possible, and let me make it magical for her.
I do not deserve this child. But I am forever thankful for the gift of being her mama.
