So thankful for these words - frozen in time - how I wrote to her - instead of how I write about her. The colored print are song lyrics included from one of Sister's favorite Disney movies - They matched her rebellion in attending OU when her parents and maternal grandparents attended OSU. She wanted something different, something more. The other text is my letter the OU Theta's invited me to write for a very special day.
Dear Taylor,
Happy Kappa Alpha Theta Initiation.
“Look at this stuff! Isn't it neat? Wouldn't you think my collection's complete? Wouldn't you think I'm the girl, the girl who has everything?”
Since Grammie always tells me that she thinks I’m the most wonderful daughter in the world and she is so blessed to call me “friend”, I am pretty sure that there are other mother’s writing their little girls and relating to them the pride each mother feels. I could say, I am no different…. but that would be a lie and we both know it. There is only one Taylor Renee and she is the precious, red-headed baby girl I promised the world to not so very long ago.
“Look at this trove treasures untold; How many wonders can one cavern hold? Looking around
here you think Sure, she's got everything!”
It must have been those promises that first taught you the world was yours and everyone else in it was your guest. Ha! And yet, what joy you bring to each of us who have the privilege of entering your world.
“I've got gadgets and gizmos a-plenty. I've got whozits and whatzits galore!
"You want thingamabobs? I've got twenty! But who cares? No big deal; I want more!”
Your independence is enticing; your perseverance is formidable; your intellect and wit entertain those who will listen and your heart is meant to serve. I love your tolerance of folks and your strong sense of justice. I envy your self-assurance, and yet am thankful in prayer every day for it. I am confident that “He that began a good work in you will see it to completion” because of the hearts and minds to whom He has led you at Theta. My greatest Christian mentors and confidants at OSU! (#fail) were my Theta friends. I am certain you were always meant to be a Theta and am I so thankful for His constant guidance and loving care in our lives. His promises never fail and if we look carefully, we can always see His fingerprints on our lives.
“I wanna be where the people are! I wanna see, wanna see them dancin', Walking around on those -what do you call 'em? Oh - feet! Flippin' your fins, you don't get too far - Legs are required for jumping, dancing, Strolling along down a - what's that word again? Street”
Your future is this stark, yet promising canvas just waiting for the color your life will splash upon it. I miss being a part of it every day and kissing your sweet head each night. However, you are where God wants you to be and the friendships and sisterhoods you will cultivate and nurture will last you a lifetime. Savor every single day. Learn every single lesson. Run head first into every single challenge. Dance on every single street! Just keep swimming! and..Never forget who you are or whose you are.
“I'm ready to know what the people know. Ask 'em my questions and get some answers! What's a fire and why does it - what's the word? Burn? When's it my turn? Wouldn't I love, love to explore that shore up above? Out of the sea - Wish I could be- Part of that world…”
You and Wade will forever be our greatest accomplishment, our finest hour, our greatest hope. Your daddy says…well, you know I can’t print the things your father says. Just remember his actions. He loves you, so. His world rocked the day you were born and he hasn’t been able to tell you ‘no’ since! You are spoiled by a father’s perfect love. He adores you and is certain you will prevail in all that you attempt. The two of you share that trait so well.
You are and always will be my sunshine! Thanks for always letting me be “part of your world”!
Be the salt and the light, baby girl.
Love Mom and Dad
(Wade says, “hey, me too!”)
We should always speak words of victory over our children. Always.
#golighttheworld