To my daughter, Quinn

Hello sweatheart,

Let me start by saying that "You are amazing!!!" I am in awe of you every day that you have graced my life. I feel so incredibly blessed to have you in my life and to share such a wonderful relationship that we do. I know you think I am corny, but I really do love you and thank God for you!

I cherish the time I have with you, even despite those days when I could sit on you, throw things at your head or just bury my head in a pillow so I don't hear you. :D

I love your smile and how it lights up your whole face, it is so your dad's! Makes me nostaglic for our relationship we had that made you. I admire your quick wit and humor, even when you are directing it at me. I adore the way you still need me, which I know it will slowly decrease as you get older. I am amused at your determination to stump, challenge or just see if you can best me, and you won't until you are old enough to meet those consequences that I protect you from. I am ravaged by the hurt others put on you and those you take on yourself that I can't protect you from. I befuddled by some of the choices you make, but know you need to make them and not to stop you, because then it would not allow you to grow into the woman you are meant to be. I am eager to see what kind of person you will become, because I now see the potential, like half-formed clay that turns into a priceless vase with time and loving care. I am pleased at the choice and thoughts you have expressed, because I know that you are listening and haven't shut me out. I am dazzled at how beautiful you are becoming on the outside, but how beautiful you have been on the inside for as long as I have known you. I am proud of you when you take the "high" road and protect those less fortunate than yourself, despite the fallout, and know that when you don't, you will know next time. I am humbled when you are better as a big sister to your siblings than I am a parent, I learn from you everytime. I am stumped when you switch from my little girl to a woman within 3 seconds and then back again, annoyed with me for not figuring it out, but know that I will catch up eventually. Most of all, thank you for making me a better parent, because I make my mistakes with you first and then fine tune them for your brother and sisters.

I have so many wishes for you for your future, but the most brightest is the wish for you to be happy. Not just to pursue it, but to truly feel it in your soul. To live in the moment and feel the happiness of living. Something so simple, but so incredible sweet. You know those moments that take your breath away, no matter how many breaths you take.