We can’t believe you are already one year old! We have a big road ahead of us. This world can be an ugly place at times and we hope to teach you to see the beauty that we often times just don't take the time to notice. To take a moment to notice the brilliance of colors staining the Pacific Northwest. To walk barefoot through dew covered grass. To play follow-the-leader with a butterfly as it dances from flower to flower.
We will teach you to love everyone for who they are. Whether black or white, short or tall, big or small. Find the goodness in them. Extend your arms to them, encircling them in love and kindness.
We will teach you to show gratitude, for there is much in life to be thankful for. If we fail to give thanks, then we begin to become apathetic. On the other hand, when we show gratitude we begin to see just how blessed our lives truly are.
We will teach you to always continue learning. It is through learning that the world continues to better itself. Lack of education lends hand to poverty, to crime, hate, and violence; all things ugly are a form of ignorance. Likewise, all that is beautiful can only be appreciated when one knows how to appreciate it.
We will teach you to love yourself. Always remember who you are. You are of great worth. You, our daughter, have work to do on this earth, work that only you can accomplish. Through knowing who you are you can learn to love yourself. Then you will never want to do anything that would keep you from your potential.
We will teach you to search out your talents and gifts and then use these to better the lives of yourself, your family, and your community. Each of us have these gifts. Whether it is the ability to sing well, or having the ability to make another happy, these are all talents. By using our talents we will continue to develop them more fully and increase the joy in our lives. If we don't use them, we will lose them.
We will teach you to develop virtuous attributes. Honesty, integrity, diligence, these are all virtues that are not always easy to obtain, but they help us to keep a clear conscience.
Above all, we will teach you to seek for truth. Search with not only your mind, but also your heart and when truth is found hold on to it. Never let go. Our greatest hope is that you will have peace and joy in your life. We will teach you that truth will bring you happiness.
We are only just beginning our quest through life together. Daddy and I don't know what lies ahead for the three of us. We do know, however, that as a mother and a father we will make mistakes and that as a daughter you will sometimes be angry with us. At times you will be hurt by the things of the world and we may not be able to remove that pain. Sometimes, we may feel as if we have failed you. I suppose this is all part of being parents. Yet, if we can help make your path through this world more joyful, if we can help you find true happiness, even though you may receive some bumps and bruises along the way, then we will know that we have been successful as parents.
Happy Birthday Baby Girl.
Love,
Mommy & Daddy
