Sweet 16

To write "It's been awhile" would be the largest understatement I could make. It's been 16 years. 16 years!! That's right. You're 16 years old today. I can hardly believe it. I feel like I blinked and here we are. You're a young woman. No longer my little girl (although you'll always be my baby). When I first started this blog you were a newborn. I always hoped to write in it as a life update but as things do, time goes on and plans often slip away. However, in the back of my mind I always knew I wanted to give you these on your 16th birthday. I had enough foresight to know my memory would fail me as the years went on. I couldn't remember all the details of your birth but reading these entries bring back so many wonderful memories. Each one filled with love and adoration for you. 

These past 16 years have been filled with a lot of laughter, growing experiences, terrible dad jokes, fights, tears, prayers, and most importantly, love. All the things in my original letters have came true! I wanted you to be the kind of person that loves others; and you are. I wanted you to be the kind of person that loved Jesus; and you are! I wanted you to be the kind of person that saw people's hearts and didn't discriminate against others; and you are. Since you were a little girl, you have been someone who always thought of others. You are a natural caretaker. You are a natural empath. You genuinely care about other people, often at the expense of yourself. You have always been someone who would give the shirt off your back for someone else, even when you don't have it to give. I admire that about you. 

Nevaeh, you are such a smart. young woman. You have goals and a drive for life. You are focused and will accomplish so many good things. I couldn't possibly be more proud. 

As you enter this next phase of your life, remember to keep your eyes focused on the Lord. Love people, continue to serve others, and even when bad things happen, you will get through it. Remember character over circumstances. You are so loved! Never forget that!!

Love mom.