My darling. Today you are sixteen years old. It is amazing how quickly the time has passed, and yet it is so fulfilling to see the young woman you have become. I know you’ve heard me say it to you many times, but you really are one of my favorite persons on the earth.❤️
It has been a rough year. On top of a rough few years. And you have walked it with grace, with kindness, and with beauty.
I remember at the very end of my pregnancy having an ultrasound with you. The technician was so stoic as he shook the ultrasound wand against my belly to try and get you to move. He was deliberate and careful with his words, as he really told us nothing except that we needed to go straight back to the doctors office. I remember going into the restroom and crying out to God to please save you. And I remember the resolve in my heart in those terrifying moments as I realized the truth: You belonged to God.
He loves you.
He knit you together.
In those early moments of entrusting you to the God who so graciously gave you to us, I learned what I am still learning.
He loves you so much and has plans for you that I can’t even fathom. Those plans are for your good, even when there is pain on the journey.
I am so amazed and proud of you Emma. I know you think often, “I don’t know what I want to do.” But I think you’ll do many things. I think, you’ll do more than you or I could imagine. I think, that if you continue to love God and seek Him with your whole heart, you’ll change the world by loving one person (or many!) at a time, and by capturing and sharing the beauty your Creator has placed deep within you.
“Kid, you’ll move mountains.”
-Dr. Seuss
I’m just grateful that I get to know you and love you along the amazing journey.
Happy sixteenth birthday, Emma Faith.
With all my love,
Mommy
The Need for Hope 