This is it; Sloane's last night as a nine year old. As we were snuggling before bed I asked her what she will remember most about being nine. She said, "our trip to Oregon, Mesa Verde, Christmas, feeding the dogs so much at Thanksgiving, giving the dogs bacon for Christmas, Mrs. Schmitz (third grade teacher), lots and lots." Then I asked her what she was looking forward to about being ten. Her answer was funny. "I don't know. The kids' menu usually ends at 12 or 13, so I guess being ten will be pretty much like being nine."
My girl.
She's very pragmatic, like her Daddy. Neither one of them would ever spend the night before a birthday crying over their child. That's me. All me. I find that I need to mark the passing of time. I think it's important to take a few moments to really notice all we are leaving behind as our little girl grows up. I want to spend time saying "thank you" for all I've been given as the mother of this amazing girl. I want to remember. I want to sit quietly and listen to her breathe and smell her sweet scent.
And then I always look forward. I pray over my child. I sit and caress her sweet face. I bless her; much like Abraham did over his sons. I commit Sloane to God and ask for His protection on her and on our family. I pray that He will give her only enough trials to help her grow kinder and more Christ-like. I pray that He will use her to do amazing things for His kingdom. I pray He will keep her safe and whole and healthy. I pray that her mind and her body will grow stronger every day. I pray she will use her blessings for His glory and never squander them. I pray He will let her know, bone-deep, how very much she is loved.
And then I kiss her. And wipe my eyes. And sit down here to write once again about the joys of being Momma.
The photo above is by the amazing photographer, Jim Mayfield. He took this of Sloane when she was nearly three.
15 comments:
Awwww, what a special day for you and Sloane. It is right that you are remembering, cherishing and looking forward to a happy future for Sloane.
Jim's photograph of Sloane is BEAUTIFUL!
Happy 10th Birthday, Sloane!!
x
What a beautiful post.
Motherhood the most sacred of all of God's gifts.
Love you
Jeanne
Blessings to your beautiful child.
oh sweet mama, your love is a
beauty to behold:)
Your dear Sloane is such a treasure
and you can trust
that Love bigger and stronger
(and farther-reaching)
than our motherlove
will lead her safely through
and home
...and I join you in asking for
a wildly joyful ride!
loving and lifting you,
Jen
What a good mama; Sloane is already so very blessed . . .
And with that, a most Happy Birthday to the Birthday Girl!
Oh Relyn- Your picture totally made me melt and then I READ your post and you made me cry. Hold her close- remember everything... it goes by so quickly- too quickly
sloane is so incredibly blessed to have you as her mother.....i hope you truly know that !....xo
A mothers sweet love for her daughter.......Happy Birthday Sloane.
What a beautiful picture. I remember that my lovely daughter thought that the best thing about turning 10 was that she would be "two digits!" And I think my son still thought that he really, really grew on that special day....his birthday. I mean physically grew! She is my pride and he my joy.....even now at 39 and 33 years old. He doesn't think he grows on his birthday any more, tho!
what a beautiful, perfect prayer. amen and amen.
My daughter had a "Double Digits" party at 10. I love your prayer for her. My own are very similar. How blessed you both are to have one another!
awwwww...
so beautiful...
and looooove the photo!
How special for Sloane to have a mom that cares with tears and words/prayers. Perfectly said! Wish her a dear, sweet birthday.
Oh, Relyn, this may be one of the most beautiful, heartfelt and touching posts I've ever read. Sloane is indeed a lucky girl to have a family who will so wrap her in love and faith. Many smiles -- maybe a tear, too!
May life take care of her and may love never leave Sloane alone..may she know how blessed and loved she is to have a lovely mother and beautiful family like you..Happyyy Birthday to the little child :)
that's the sweetest little girl photo are your precious daughter.
I love this post.Sloan is so blessed to have you as a mother.
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