to my sweet girl on her seventh birthday...

Dear Brianna,
Well, I'm a little late on this, but I still have a bit of time before your birthday is over, so here goes nothing.  I've had such a hard time writing this birthday post, I've written and rewritten it dozens of times, I just cannot seem to find the right words to tell you what is in my heart.  How do you explain how your heart is so full and happy seeing the independent strong young lady your baby girl is becoming all the while your heart is breaking because the more independent and strong you get, the less you need me.  I look at you and I am amazed...amazed at the person you've become and the wonderful things I know will come for you.  I wish so much I could help you avoid heartache and pain...believe me I've made some mistakes that I would love to help you avoid, BUT I know in my heart you are so much like me that even if I tell you the answers and give you advice to help you avoid the hurt and heartache, you will still have to go off on your own, just to make sure I'm telling you the truth.  Sort of like telling someone something is hot and they inevitably have to touch it just to make sure it really is hot.  As much as it may frustrate me that you have to take the hard road to figure it out on your own, it also makes me immensely proud that you want to pave your own way and not take the easy way out...that you want to lead and not always follow.  The day you were born you took a piece of my heart with you...everything you feel...I feel.  Your hurt is my hurt, your joy is my joy, your tears are mine.  I hope life always brings you more laughter than tears and joy than hurt, but during the times of hurt and tears...always remember the hard times always make the good that much sweeter.  You are my life, my love and will always be my baby girl.

This quote always makes me think of you and your brother...

"No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you.  After all, you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside."

Happy seventh birthday my sweet Brianna, I love you more than you can possibly know.

Love always,
mama