My only girl is growing up too fast – cliche I know, but
still so true. She continues to humble
me in countless ways. She joined us through circumstances that defy adequate explanation and are, at times, painful to examine too closely. She brought with her into our family a zest
and joy that is beyond what I could imagine. She is beginning to understand
more and now asks me questions I don’t know how to answer, piercing me with her
black orbs that don’t ever seem to blink.
In how she approaches life, she models many behaviors I see
as the best of us. She inspires me. I
have so many wishes for her on this special day, it is hard to know where to
begin. But here goes, I wish for you my baby girl
(who I know doesn’t really want to be called a baby any more but humors this mama):
May you always keep your sense of inclusion. If I could bottle how you openly and without
judgment approach everyone around you, the world would see less misunderstanding
and hate.
May your sense of what is fair and right
continue to guide you to stand up when you see injustice or someone who needs
your support or just one of your light-up-any room smiles.
May your inner “caregiver” continue to lead you
to generously reach out to those around you in your life whether it be family,
four-legged creatures or new friends.
You have the gift of saying or doing just the right thing at just the
right moment to make people feel cherished.
May you continue to ask the tough questions unflinchingly and push until you receive adequate answers. Those questions lead to healthy discussions,
progress and sometimes even solutions.
May you never lose the ability to see the humor
in any situation and to use your intellect and wit to make even the toughest
person smile at your disarming charm.
May you grow in your own understanding of how
complex and beautiful you are – in every way.
Each year gives me so many amazing opportunities to see you
blossoming
Happy Birthday Leyla Marie Fasika! You are now six and so sensational!