Dear Julie,
Today you are 8.
But, I think I might keep you 7 just a little bit longer…at
least until 11:18 p.m. (I’m not going to tell you this, but I’m not quite ready
for you to be 8.)
Julie, 7 was your year.
We moved 700 miles away but you made the best of it and
learned how to shine.
You learned to ride a two-wheeler. No more pushes from daddy
or me and you don’t even whine anymore when you’re pedaling up a steep hill.
You love to write and you impressed us so much with your
elaborate stories and chapter books. We especially loved the “Xzeedo” series
about the little blue dot who came to life.
You found a very best friend, captured the heart of an
absolutely amazing teacher and brought home exceptional report cards. You swam
like a super star, learned to play tennis and started playing piano. You should
be so proud that you mastered “Take me out to the Ball Game” on your keyboard. That
wasn’t easy.
You got your first puppy and you could hardly believe he was
yours. You feed him and walk him, and sometimes pick up after him. I think you
love him more than you realized you would.
Yes. It’s been quite a year. You’ve accomplished quite a
lot, but above all else, this is the year your daddy and I really glimpsed the
amazing woman you will one day become.
This year you said you didn’t want any birthday presents. Instead,
you asked people to make donations to a local animal shelter.
“I’ve gotten presents for seven years. I don't really need any more,” you told us. Hard to believe, but it was all your idea.
You have grown up a lot this year, but when I peeked in your
bedroom the other day you were talking to your American Girl and princess dolls all lined up
in a row. They were the students and you were the teacher trying very hard to
teach a lesson on punctuation. White board and markers. Papers and pencils for
each doll.
I smiled.
Even though you’re 8, you’re still ours for a little longer.
Happy Birthday!
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