To my Shenshine on her 9th birthday

You know the story.  We wished for you. 

I wrote you letters before I even knew Daddy.  I wished for you to be STRONG.  I wished you courage.  I wished you beauty - the deep down to your soul kind.  I wished you compassion and humor.  And, of course, health. All the best things I knew how to wish for, I wished for you.  But that was only the beginning

And then you arrived - all of my wishes and then some.  It never occurred to me to wish for eyes that sparkled the way that yours do, in a color I'd never imagined.  I hadn't thought to wish for laughter that could change the air in the room, or that dazzling sunshine smile. You will unlock hearts with that smile.  And your curiosity: you will change the world with those questions you're always asking.  The best questions.

I know it's hard sometimes, to feel so deeply, to notice everything the way that you do.  And to care so much.  I know it makes life harder sometimes. But it will make life richer, too.  Every day I see you growing, turning challenges into lesson into gifts.  I love the way you shine them, and share them with everyone around you. 

Thank you for taking all my wishes and multiplying them!  You are better than our wildest dreams of you.

Happy Birthday, Shenshine!  You truly rock!