Today is Rachel’s 19th birthday. If you are anywhere near her, you know that. The girl loves her birthday, and celebrates it for at least a month if not the entire year. Forget that she just had a really big graduation party and was showered with gifts for her graduation. Being the savvy parents we are, we saved her graduation/birthday gift for today! While she has been an adult for a full year now, it seems more like she’s an adult now that she has graduated and is continuing to weigh options for her future. More information soon on that front.
I tend to reflect a bit around Rachel’s birthdays. For her first birthday, we started a pretty cool tradition. Each birthday we gave Rachel a special book and her daddy and I would both write her a letter. Her 16th birthday was our last year of the tradition, but I’ve been looking back through some of her books and though I would share a couple of the letters from one book. We gave her “The Incredible Journey” for her 12th birthday and that seemed practically perfect to share on this her 19th birthday. Oh, and I did request and receive her permission.
Dear Sweet Rachel,
Happy 12th Birthday! Mommy and daddy chose this book because you have made life a most “Incredible Journey!” Your smile brings my life so much joy! I am proud of you for so many reasons. I love to hear you read. I am so happy you love social studies. I am impressed by your dual role as a Munchkin and Poppy. There are so many things. Mostly, I am grateful God allowed me to be your mommy.. I love you big girl. 🙂
Love, Mom
Rachel,
Wow 12 years old! How did this happen. You are almost s teenager. My little girl is now a grown up big girl. Another exciting year. You have done so many things. The most exciting is finishing fifth grade and making all A’s. You make us so proud. You have ridden roller coasters and been upside down. I loved watching you as a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz! Being one of the best cheerleaders ever brought so much joy. Most of all, we get to do lots of fun things with each other. I love reading with you each night. I just love you very much and I am proud of what a great young lady you are.
Love, Dad.
No book this year but this is my message in her card:
Happy 19th birthday Ms. Rachel. I know your incredible journey is going to continue and I am excited to see where it leads you and us. I am so glad God chose me to be your mom. I know you are an adult now, but like I tell you every night when you kiss me good night, I will always love you more. Love, Mom.
For more details on our birthday book idea, click here – Birthday Book Idea
