Thursday, March 12, 2009

The Road to Six.











Grace,

It's bound to happen. Someone looks you up and down and has a sentence or two about what you're like, who they think you are. I nod and agree. They're partially right. But they don't know you like we do. How could they possibly? I look at the ground and six years flash by and feel like a thousand. The gap in your teeth, the smell of your little girl sweat, your smiling eyes, the click of your heels.

These little things and you are what make me a mother.

Now you stretch to the middle of my ribcage. That's how tall you are. Your belly that was once so two-years-old, so full and round, has formed into a girly waist.

You are kind and thoughtful. You remember everything about people. You are interested in the moon.

There are times when our minds wrestle each other for control. Sometimes you win, sometimes I do. You come to me when you're afraid. Sometimes you cry like a baby. You rely on me for gentle comfort. I hang onto your hugs for seconds longer than you ever want to. And you let me.

This year, your birthday falls on a day when your Great-Grandfather is very ill. He is a great man and has given you a family that loves you very much. One that I am privileged to have married into. This time of life is a blunt reminder of how quickly it flies.

You have shot up from the ground, into the sky and I struggle to keep up. You're six, and stunningly beautiful. You'll always be my first love. My very first fist full of warmth and love. My heart-opener. I'll never forget it.

Happy Birthday.

20 comments:

LuCDay said...

Are you kidding me? Lock her up and throw away the key? Why do they have to grow up? She is too gorgeous for her own good and I'm sure she knows it. I miss that girl. Every time we look at a map Alex always asks when Grace is going to move back so we can go visit her? I remember when Grace was "Squidgy". What will you do when Lillie turns 6? Love the pics!

Melissa said...

They do grow up too fast. That is one thing I don't like, but it is a reality! Have a fun Birthday day!

Ash said...

Happy Birthday Gracie Girl!!! We love you!

Ash said...

Great pictures Sarah!

badknee said...

oh my gosh!!! she looks like nine years old! she is SO beautiful sarah!! i cant wait until i can talk to her someday and have like reall girl talk and we can laugh about boys and school around the fire next to grandpas pond!! <3

sharry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sharry said...

ok - i'm tendering a vote that you attach an tissue box shaped icon as a warning that there will be tears if we choose to read further. please.

gracie - i have pictures of you as just a little girl drinking capri suns in our house and twirling in our backyard dressed in a wonderful red tutu. you looked so beautiful. you are so big now...and still so, so beautiful. we love and miss you much.

have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY from all of us here in arizona...we love you!!!

ps...grace...could you please not grow anymore until i see you next? tell ruby and lillie too. ok?!
lots of love, aunt sharry.

Missy said...

Ok, that photo with the sun shining right behind her and the wind blowing her hair...GORGEOUS Sarie.

And your writing ranks supreme, really.

Lindsey said...

She is a beautiful little girl. What a great family you all make.

Jennifer said...

Gorgeous pictures and gorgeous girl. :)

Happy Birthday Gracie!

She looks too mature and grown. Time flies too fast sometimes.

Caitlin Rose said...

Beautiful Gracie! I remember watching a little slideshow of her with the "gracie girl" song playing along with it and that was when she was basically a baby. I can't believe she is 6!

{Erica} said...

Those pictures are breathtaking! She is gorgeous just like her sisters and her mama :)

What a beautiful post!

Celeste said...

She is so beautiful and a little scary how much she is looking more like a girl and not just a child. She look so much like you Sarah... I love it!!

Hannah said...

That was beautifully said! I can't believe she has freckles! She is beautiful.

Jessiesmylieyahoo,com said...

hopeyouallhadfunatdisney
land

kristen said...

SO awesome...love all the georgeous pictures!!!! Grace is just so beautiful!!! Great beautiful words...as always!!!! :)

Kelly said...

These pictures are to die for! What a beauty. She will treasure this someday.

Latisha said...

Priceless pictures - she is so lucky to have them forever.

Lillie said...

Oh- that hair- and those freckles. Seriously lock her up.

LeDoux said...

i think that you should totally put her in modeling. you could make a lot of money! seriously. i bet orlando has all kinds of opportunities for that kind of stuff.

otherwise: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRACE!