Because being together is enough

Jared, Ryleigh, always remember the love you share for eachother.

IDK ...Jared: Feb. 2007

Our Little Love is here!!! Athena

Our Valentine's Girl

Athena Raelynn

02-14-2007

She has magic in her eyes. I will help her see it?  The wealth of possibilities just bubbling over?  She will believe absolutely anything is possible.  She will thinks she can do anything.

She'll makes me want to wear a cape, to sweep her away from any tough situation, to wrap her in my arms and keep her safe. Everyday. Today she was born, and I will love her forever.  I blinked and she was born.  I will blinked again and she will be able to walk.  I will turn around to cook dinner and she was talking on the phone.  I'll stop for 15 minutes and she could sing, turn a cartwheel and ride horses.  

Of course, what I’m neglecting here, are the million hugs and “I love you, my sweet Athena”.  Each one of those will etched into my soul and they are the most special because they mean she feels loved, she feels cared for and respected.

I have tried and failed no less than a dozen times this week to write down how I feel about my sweet Athena.  This is what I finally have to say…..

A quick note to my birthday girl:

My Sweet Athena,

When you were born, I was so taken by your dark hair and those blue, blue eyes, I couldn’t bear to look away.  I forced myself to let go and go home to my boys.

I now find myself having a similar experience.  While you have grown from a helpless infant to an  ‘I can do it’ toddling toddler to the independent little treasure you are now, I have often held my breath, hoping I would know when to hold your hand and when to stand behind you with a little push.

When I look into your eyes, I see possibilities.  You truly believe ANYTHING can happen.

And that is magic….

The kind of magic I will bottle and do my best to sprinkle over you as you sleep each and every night.  You can’t put a price on that kind of faith in the world.

During this last year, I have seen the most significant changes in you – more than walking, more than talking…..  As these are tremendous milestones, they seem rooted in the physical.  What I am witnessing now is the growth of your mind, of your heart.  You are learning compassion and empathy.  You are learning to give, to hurt, to be you.

You are this beautiful little soul.  From you I have learned patience, I have experienced family, and I have evolved.  I am a better person for having you in my life.

I love you with all my heart.

Love, Auntie Missy