Happy birthday to my daughter!

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Twenty one years ago, our family was gifted by a perfect little baby girl with a rosebud mouth and golden curls. The only one of the kids born with hair, and it was curled gold. She was the baby girl we had described in our wishes and hopes.

From the beginning, she was soft and sweet and easy to take care of and love. She nursed right away, she quieted at our touch, and she slept through her two and three year old brothers' raucous activity.

I had so many fears during the pregnancy. We had amniocentesis done to make sure she was okay. I had been in a terrible car accident, and had medications and treatment that could have harmed her. I will always remember the tears of joy and relief when I heard the words from the geneticist at the hospital, 'Your baby is a girl, and she's perfect'. And, she is. Perfect.

She has become an elegant, intelligent, independent, beautiful woman poised to set the world on fire. She has compassion, tolerance and the ability to empathize. She is who I would like to be when I grow up.

I have watched as she shouldered the mantle of womanhood this past year, suddenly becoming the strong arms that supported and held me as my tiny dog was euthanized in my arms. She was my support and my guide through the confusing journey these past weeks as my husband struggled for his life. Hers were the cool hands on my flushed tear stained face. She stepped into the role our mothers and grandmothers have been in for as long as there have been people. She became the nurturer, the healer, the medicine woman.

I am honored to know her, blessed to be her mother.

For all you have been to us, for all you are, for all you will become, Emily Anne, we love you. We are excited to share the next decades with you.

Happy birthday, my sweet daughter! Thank you for being mine!

Love,

Momma