To Anouk...
Anouk,
There are many lessons I will have to teach you in your life. I'll have to help you multiply 6 x 7, model true friendships, and show you to to shave your legs. I will be there to talk you through a broken heart and show you that pride exhibits itself through tears, smiles, and laughter. But today, what I want to remind you is that the universe will throw a lot of hurdles in front of you. You can't let those things get you down. You must MOVE ON! And you have already started learning that lesson early.
I know this past school year has been a challenging one for you. Ending your summer vacation with a serious leg injury started off your first grade year on the "wrong foot" (so to speak). So I can't tell you how proud of you I am. Despite such challenges, you look down at your scarred legs and see beauty instead of sorrow. You remember the people we've lost--Larry, Tricia's papa, Uncle Len, and Auntie Teresa--even though you were too young to know who they really were!
You have forced yourself into a number of difficult situations recently and this video shows just one of your latest. (For those who don't know, let me give you some context. During climbing lessons this year, Anouk had developed a fear for something she used to love. At her Student-Led Conference she wanted to show everyone--including Bomma--how much higher she could climb. This is what she was able to achieve! And to think, just 3 weeks earlier she was crying and hyperventilating.)
When your friends all went home and we cuddled on the couch to talk about the fun we had, I thought to myself, "When will Anouk stop cuddling with me? When will she grow up to be too cool for this?" I'm glad that day isn't here yet.
It was yet one more happy day in our lives. Anouk, honey... this is how we move on.
Love,
Mama
P.S. for those of you who want to see the photos of the birthday party, click through the photostream below.
