Dear Evelyn Joy,
At 3:29pm today you turn 18 years old. EIGHTEEN! I honestly am not sure how this birthday came so fast but also took forever to arrive.
When you were born, I made a promise to you. A promise to love you always, no matter what. To support and encourage you, to be honest with you and to cheer you on wherever life takes you.
You are your own person, not trying to be anyone else. You are kind, smart, funny and the best sister and friend. You are well spoken and an amazing writer. You sing and play guitar beautifully. You honestly could excel at anything you put your mind to, but you also don't like attention and being called out for all the amazing things you do.
That being said, as you enter adulthood you WILL still continue to learn and grow, having many successes and also probably making mistakes along the way. Dad and I will celebrate every win with you, and, as much as I would love to still protect you from those mistakes, they are necessary for building knowlege and character and Dad and I will stand by and cheer you on as you learn from them.
I know there is a part of you that doesn't want to be all grown up.... trust me, I wish I could keep you as my sweet and sassy little girl forever, too. "Adulting" can be hard at times. But I hope you also know that there is SO much fun and and so many opportunities awating you as you enter into the next years of your life. Live for that future and not in the past. Carry the memories close but don't let them blind you from seeing the goodness that lies ahead. Enjoy the adventure and make amazing new memories.
I will always be your biggest fan and your biggest cheerleader, and my love for you will forever be strong and true. I am so proud of you, so grateful for you, and so thankful the Lord gave me YOU!
I love you, Evelyn Joy... with all my heart!
Happy Happy Birthday!
"...and Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" ~ Luke 2:19
