A letter to my Daughter: Happy 7th Birthday

A letter to my daughter – because you define happiness – Happy 7th Birthday

April 29, 2013 at 10:22am

It’s been 7 years, 9 months and 3 weeks since we first met. And thats’ 7 years, 9 months and 3 weeks that my life was forever changed. We celebrated your 7th Birthday a few days ago…. and there was a moment during that day, when you were handling your chores and singing as you normally do… and I was transported back to the time you were 6 months and I realized your babbles were actual tunes for you.

Then I remembered a time when you were two years old, we were in a store, and you were singing your heart out to Alicia Keys “No one”. Singing so loud you caught the attention of other customers and clerks. Just when Mama started to feel a bit embarrassed wondering if I should hush you, one of the clerks walked over to us, and started singing with you! It was a 2 minute session that would change my outlook completely and forever. “Your little girl has a light in her. She loves to sing! Encourage that always. It means she is happy. When she is not singing, you should worry. So never stop her from singing. She will make the world happy with her voice”.

You sing, all day, every where we go. And while I must admit sometimes the constant noise drives mama crazy, I realize that your singing is your happiness. You sing because that’s your voice, its your outlet, its your way of letting the world know you are happy. You sing because you want to cheer up the world around you, because everyone should be happy like you.

Sometimes my days are so chaotic, that I’ll forget to be happy. That’s what happens to adults. We forget how beautiful life is. We get caught up in worry and strain. The mundane ordinary-ness of life takes over and we lose ourselves in useless negative emotions… And then I’ll hear you humming. Or I’ll hear you acting out a scene from your vivid and colorful imagination. And it’s like I’m instantly reminded to calm down and take a breath. To look around and be aware. To close my eyes and say Thank You to the Universe for all that we have, even if it’s not much. Your voice reminds me to be happy. And I get it. I understand. And I appreciate your singing now more than ever, even if it drives me crazy sometimes… Because truth is, it would be crazier to not be happy.

Evangelina, you define happiness. From the first day I learned you would be mine, I knew you would be strong willed, wild hearted, creative, passionate, and extraordinary. You have a smile that’s contagious. You have a presence that lights up a room. And you have a character that is unforgettable. And your singing, your singing reminds me that life is beautiful and every moment should be cherished.

We have faced a few struggles in the past year or two, but you manage to keep a light in you that inspires resilience and courage in me and reminds me no matter what trials we face, everything will be okay. I had the honor of becoming a mom for the second time with you, and I am a better woman because of you. Thank you for being my light, thank you for bringing me joy and thank you for reminding me that life is a song that should be sung with all the love in our hearts so that we can always remind ourselves happiness comes from within, and that’s something no one can ever take away from us.

My sweet girl, always remember… Life is full of amazing things. Always take a minute to smell the flowers by your feet. Feel the Sun on your face. Let the Rain cleanse your soul. Love with all that you have. Laugh with every breath. Live with purpose. Fight for your dreams. Reach for the Stars, Moon and Sun… Believe in you… cause I do. And remember, that I will always be here… right by your side… cheering you on.

Happy 7th Birthday. May this New Year bring you all the happiness and love you bring to us… And more.

Love always & forever – your biggest fan,

Mom