Marleigh Rae,

I never really understood your grandmas gazes at me in amazement. My whole life she loved me hard! As best she could, she gave what she had. There would be these moments I would catch her staring. She would say, “Come here and let me hug you.” In my mind I would be slightly weirded out but I’d hug her. You see, before I had you I was not touchy feely. I was anti-hugs & snuggles. 

All that changed the day you were born. My heart grew. I imagine it looked something like Grinch’s. Every single day since you were born, I began to live FOR you. Ever move I make. Every decision I contemplate. It all revolves around you. I have to be better for you in more ways than one. I have to love more! Be happy more! Embrace all my flaws! Appreciate these disobedient curls on the top of my head! I have to spend wisely, more like not all! 

I’ve watched you grow immensely the last 16 months and I’m in awe of you. Your sassy  ways are cute now but they could be an issue later. I promise to love you through it all. I’ll love you through puberty and heartbreak! I’ll love you through bickering and sadness! I’ll love you wholeheartedly, without fear.

Pay attention here, because this is important….

I promise to allow you to be you. In all your glory as my child, I will never dimmenish your flicker of hope. I will always allow you to remain in a child’s place and be the amazing person you are destined to be. I promise that we’ll laugh until tears fall down our face. I promise that this house, will be your house. Your memories will be made in every inch of this home. The backyard will always be filled with joy. We’ll wait patiently every year for the cherry blossom tree at the curb to bloom. 

It’s so imperative that you know your home is your haven. Your father and I will forever be your anchors. To know love as an adult you must know it as a child. We will ensure that you’re wrapped in it. For all that I hope for you, it is my greatest desire that you love yourself! You embrace your natural hair, your chocolate skin tone, your heritage. 
As you sleep in my arms right now, I pray over you. I pray for your life. I pray that you surpass us. I pray that every single dream you have is realized. I pray that you will always remain as sweet & sassy as you are in this moment. I pray that your spirit remains free! You surround yourself with genuine people. I pray that the love of music and dance you have never leaves you. Most importantly, I pray that you remain grounded in God and trust in his plan for your life.

You are the essence of my heart beating and living outside of my chest. Forever you will be my munchkin. 

Signed, 

The mother of a sour patch kid