Claire's 4th Birthday

Dear Claire,

     Today, you are four. But you still seem like my baby. I love that you are still so small to fit in my arms, but your mind is wise beyond your years. You are smart, you are friendly, you smile at everyone you meet. I don't know of a single person you have met that doesn't love you. Your natural charm, obedience and loving persona draws people in. They want to be around you, holding you, talking to you. Even at the park, you make friends easily. When we go, you always tell me, " I'm going to make new friends today." And you do! I am amazed by your lighthearted confidence and your ability to do things on your own. You aren't afraid to ask when you need something or want to do something.

You are brave. You are strong. You are fearless.

     One of the things I admire most about you is your spiritual intuition. You seem to know everything about God and life. You say things that are Heaven inspired. It makes me sure that you are one of God's choicest children. And I feel honored to be your mother. 

     Last fall, when you were just three and a half, you told me that for Christmas you wanted a jacket for your baby brother. I had laughed it off because just two days before I took a pregnancy test and it was negative. I was sick that whole week, thinking I had the flu. But just one week after you told me, I found out I WAS pregnant. You were right. And you were adamant that it was your brother coming. Fifteen weeks later, we found out it was a boy. You were right again. And you never stop being right about little things. It's like you can see into Heaven, a place where no one else can see. 

     I hope that you never lose that piece of yourself. I always want you to be sure of who you are and what you believe. I want you to see the world, not for what it is, but for what it can be. There is still good here on earth. I believe that you will be a great leader some day. It may not be the same kind of leader that everyone looks to, but you have that quiet inner strength about you and that pure wholesome love that will hold people up. They will look to you for strength and guidance and wisdom. 

     I can't wait for you to be a big sister. You have so much to offer this new baby when he comes. He is so lucky to have you for a sister. I hope all your hopes and dreams come true. I hope that I can be half the mother you deserve. I hope that I can teach you all you need to know to get through this life. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it. And you have made it look so effortless thus far.

     My darling girl, please remember that I love you. I helped to make you. I wanted you before you were even created. You are so special to me, and to the Lord. Stay close to him, stay close to his teachings. Follow him with faith and you will never go wrong.

All my love to you, my beautiful girl.

Mom