I met God for the first time. He placed you in my hands and bade me care for you. Looking at you, so tiny and perfect, I knew what love really was. My heart grew so that it felt like it couldn’t be contained in my mortal shell. I knew instantly that I would do anything for you, and because of my love for you, that I could do anything. I held you in my arms and knew with every drop of blood in my body, that I could lift a car off of you, or stare down a raging grizzly bear if you needed protection.

My biggest hurts in life have come at the thought that I have not been good enough for you. I can deal with my own disappointment, but when I see it in your eyes, my heart is torn to pieces. Because of you I strive to be a better person. I want to show you by a life well lived what family means, and hopefully, what you mean to me.

You won’t know, fully, how much I love you till you have children of your own. Having you showed me how my mother loved me. I was able to see clearly, for the very first time, how hard her struggle was, and to see that she wouldn’t have chosen that life merely for duty. No person would, it is love that shows us how to care for others.

7 years ago today, you broke my heart. It was too full of love to stay whole you see. You carry a piece of it with you. Please protect it, it’s my gift to you so that someday, when your own heart splits, you will still have more than enough to wrap your family in your love.

7 years ago today, I met God when you were born. I have thanked him everyday for you because you are a gift.

Happy Birthday Emma.

Love Mom