Happy 5th Birthday Tess

It's hard to believe that it's already been five years since I gave birth to my second daughter, Tessa. Motherhood was filled with tons of surprises, some good others bad but in the end, I'm so thankful to have two beautiful daughters who bring me that much closer to my lifelong dream.

Despite moments when I felt isolated in my struggles of learning to become a mother, I can now say I'm proud of myself for the mother I am today. This journey is far from over and I'm still learning everyday how to be more loving, more patient and more accepting of my own flaws and mistakes but what is most important is that I'm genuinely enjoying this journey of growing as a woman, mother and wife. Both my daughters are at school and I'm enjoying a rare moment of solitude and reflection, so today I begin this letter in gratitude.

My dearest Tessa,

I thank God everyday for your presence in my life. You brought so much love and joy to my life that you serve as a daily reminder of how blessed and loved I am. I don't have expectations of what I want you to be or how I want you to live your life. I'm happy with whatever your dreams are as long as it is something that makes your life brighter, happier and more fulfilled. You taught me the most valuable lesson in life and that is the art of letting go. You helped me to realize that God's plans are more perfect and complete than our own and that my role as a mother is not to direct or dictate, but guide and support you with love, kindness and warmth so you can one day become the woman you want to be- a woman who is strong in spirit but gentle at heart, a woman who can radiate warmth, love and hope to those who are blessed with your presence in their lives.

I promise to be here always to love, hold and kiss you anytime you need me.  I will make sure your heart, mind and body are nourished with the right ingredients, not in ways I plan but in ways you guide me. You're so special just the way you are- there is no way I could have planned or dreamed of a girl like you. You are beyond my dreams, beyond my expectations, beyond my goals. I love you my dear daughter, more than you can ever imagine and I thank you everyday, for fulfilling my dreams as a mother.

I thank you for your drawings, I thank you for your hugs & kisses, your smiles, your imaginations, your thoughts, your songs. I even thank you for your tantrums and night terrors because they teach me how to be more patient and to love unconditionally.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Because of you, my life, my happiness and my health mean so much more than it did before. You are the reason I'm here today and today, I'm beyond grateful, beyond blessed.

I love you, my precious baby girl. Happy birthday.