Dear Ava,

Sorry I am so behind writing your birthday letter. I’m sure every letter I have written for your birthday has that same apology in it. It’s tough having a birthday on Christmas Day. But, we made sure to celebrate you even if it was during the rush of the holidays.

It’s hard to believe how much you’ve grown both physically and emotionally this last year. I am so proud of you. There are always going to be hiccups and hard spots in life, but you are learning how to handle all of those things a little bit at a time. And, that is all we can ask for!

Thank you for sticking with us and being so patient as we have all learned how to live this life together. You mean so much to us. We love you no matter what situations we have endured together.

I can’t wait to watch how you are going to mature and grow even more over the next few years. There are a lot of times where I will just sit and think about what it’s going to be like when you are a teenager or even a young adult.

What activities will you enjoy? What career path will you take? Will your looks change as you get older? Will you still love to work on the farm and be around the farm animals?

Those are some questions that come into my mind often. Thankfully, Lord willing, we will get to watch you grow and change for many more years to come. Don’t ever lose your focus on the Lord, and He will help you work out anything that crosses your path or has already crossed your path. Sometimes life doesn’t seem fair especially the things you were handed at such a young age, but you are learning how to find healing in the midst of it all. Don’t ever give up!

We love you sweet girl. Happy Birthday!

Love,

Mommy

Ava’s Birthday Interview:

How old are you? 8
What is your favorite food? mac and cheese
What do you hope you never have to eat again? broccoli
What is your favorite thing to do? ride horses
What is your favorite animal? horses
What makes you happy? Mommy
What is the best memory from when you were 7? playing on the farm
What is one thing you’d like to do while you are 8? go to the beach
What would you like to do when you grow up? train horses
What is your favorite song? Jesus Loves Me
Where is your favorite place to eat? Mexican
What is your favorite book? The Bible
Where would you like to go on vacation? Legoland
What would you like the world to know? Jesus died on the cross.

Psalm 86:11: Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.