To my beautiful Bee,
I loved the heart-to-heart we had last night. We went for a walk, all the way around Hanna Field, and we said some difficult things about being brave, starting conversations, and being someone who shows she cares about others. These things are hard to hear because they're not easy and take practice.
Yet.
A few hours later you called me (no, you actually CALLED me on a watch) down to your room at 11 PM. You were ready to respond. I love how you take time to think and internalize before you respond. It's so wise.
You told me you want to be the kind of person who helps and gives and cares, but you're worried about feeling rejected. We agreed that you'd try anyway, and that's worth so much. Thank you for your beautiful heart and brave soul. I know you will try. You will take risks. You will go out on a limb to love others. I know that because you are following Jesus, and He did these things.
Each day you grow in grace and beauty. You have been blessed with a gorgeous face and body. Sometimes when you're talking to me I get lost in your beautiful hair, eyes, and bone structure. I'm sorry; I'm just human! I admire your long legs when you walk toward me. You are stunning.
More than outward appearance, though, the Bible tells us that God looks on the heart. And what I see there is stunning, too. You are trying to pick up your Bible more and put our Creator's words into your memory and actions.
You are so kind to the cousins, to the Dahl boys, to Finley...you have a gift for taking care of small people, for planning, for giving instructions, for following rules, for design/art, for floral arranging, for songwriting, for persistence...
Speaking of persistence, congrats on your GRAND CHAMPION ribbons at the Bowman County Fair! Just think - 1,000 cranes. I am so proud of you! You saw that project through to the very end. Let this triumph become a symbol for all of the things you, Bee, are capable of. You are capable of moving mountains, my darling.
All my love, always,
Mom
