I woke up feeling different on Saturday. Just like that, I was the mom of a five year old. It doesn’t seem possible that it was five years ago that I looked at Tim holding that tiniest little baby, wondering how I would be able to show her just how much love I was feeling.
I had no idea what kind of little girl she’d grow up to be, of course, but I knew the deep love I felt would grow regardless of how her personality developed. But now that she’s five, I can’t help but stop and count my blessings for she’s grown into an amazing little person. So this post is for my sweet, darling daughter, Meghan Jane.
Dear Meghan,
You’re five! Where does the time go? I’m so very proud of you. I’m proud of all the things you can do: read, ride a two-wheel bike, make up songs, and dance better than I ever could.
But you need to know something. I’m proud of you for all of those things and more, but none of them matter. Your worth is not measured by your accomplishments or the things you can do. The thing I’m most proud of is your heart.
I was proud of you when your foot almost landed on a bug, and you showed compassion by putting your face close to the ground and saying, “I’m so sorry I almost squished you little guy!”
I was proud of you when you prayed and said, “Thank you, God, for this wonderful cloudy day.”
I’m proud of you when your brother is crying and you say, “I know what will make him happy!” and you run off to find one of his favorite toys.
A thousand accomplishments in the world could not take the place of your pure, selfless heart. Don’t let the world change your heart. Be aware: it will try. The world likes to take pure hearts like yours and harden them. I pray every day that it doesn’t happen.
You told me when you grow up you want to be a princess. In a few years, when you inevitably change your mind, please hold onto the sense of hope and wonder it takes to aspire to be a princess.
It’s hard to tell you this, but life is only going to get more difficult as you get older. You are going to learn that people can be mean, even when you are kind. You will find that sometimes, what seems fair and right, isn’t what happens.
When these things happen, all you need to do is keep facing the world with your bright, optimistic smile. That alone will get you further than most people think.
And know that no matter what, you are loved.
Happy 5th birthday, sweet Meghan. Your dad and I love you more than you could ever imagine.
Love,
Mommy
Beautiful, Maryea!!! I have tears in my eyes thinking of our 5 year-old little girl. I always wish that I could put our little girl in a bubble to protect her, but that is not what God wants. He wants us to give our children up to Him, & He will protect them.
Thank you, Faith. I know you are right. My head knows one thing, but my heart feels another!
Hi,
My name is Meagan too! I have followed your blog for awhile now, although I admit, I only have time to sporadically go on now and then these days. For some reason, I was drawn to this post. My son is exactly one year older than Meghan and in Grade one. This year has, surprisingly, been a bit of a challenge for us. For me; letting go of my son for the length of an entire day, after being a stay at home mum for 6 full years, and for him; learning how to negotiate the world without me. He has come across, already, some of the things you mention to Meghan in your letter to her… and you are right – they are not easy (for either of us!). But, you sharing your heart with your daughter, and the world, reminds me to stay the course with my son…. what really matters is his heart, his kind soul and that he is loved – no matter what. Somehow, everything else will work out.
I thought it was my son who would need this advice… I never thought it would actually be me.
I hope you remember this yourself, when the time comes.
I enjoy your honesty, your recipes and your “way”.
Love,
Meagan
Thank you for your sweet words, Meagan! (Love your name! :))
First, happy birthday to Meghan and to the proud parents 🙂 Second, I don’t know what it is but now that I am a mom this post just makes me want to tear up and cry. I love it. Lee is 10 months old as of Sunday and I can’t believe I am planning his first birthday party, it can’t be!
Just wait! Before you know it he’ll be FIVE!! It’s crazy. 🙂
Beautifully written. What a joy our children are to us. Happy Birthday to your little girl.
Thank you, Eva.
Awwwwww, so sweet! I have tears over here. She is such a sweet girl and it hits so close to home with my sweetie. Very well written Mommy!
Thanks, Jillian. Isn’t it weird how much older five seems than four?!
This was beautiful, Maryea, and something I think everyone little girl needs/wants to hear from their mother (on a regular basis). I’m so glad that there are people like you out there raising children and shaping this world’s future.
Aww–thanks, Liz!
How is she already 5? Crazy! Also, she looks so much like you in that last pic!
I know, right?! And why does five sound so much older than four??
So sweet! She’ll love to read that later when she’s older. Happy Birthday, Meghan!
Thanks, Kelly.
Oops! That should say *Kelli* My eyes must be going already. 😉
Happy Birthday Meghan!!!
Thanks, Ann-Louise! 🙂