Dear Rhiannon,
You've grown tall, your hair has gotten long, you've learned to talk to me, you've learned to walk. You've accomplished so much in the past year since your last birthday, and I am intensely proud of you.

Your will has become strong, and even when it goes against my own, I am pleased to see you asserting yourself. I know you are going to be a beautiful challenge for me, and I look forward to every struggle, to every time you speak your mind, even when you know I won't like what you have to say. I love that you don't give up, I love that you know how to take your knocks, I love that you are strong.

Your heart has become tender. I have watched you change from taking love - the hugs, kisses, cuddles - to giving it, happily and frequently. Before leaving you to go to sleep, when you wrap your arms around my neck, tight, so I can't get away, and then give me a kiss, and say "love you" (which sounds so adorable in your language - "wuhvoo"), it makes me feel as though I've gotten something right today. Any anger, any ill feelings of any kind disappear, and I'm filled with your light, your purity, your goodness.

I feel so blessed to have you in my life. I see you imitate me, and it makes me a better person, because I want you to be a better person. I want you to see only goodness in the world. I want you to see only goodness in me. I know this is not possible, but it really makes this old cynic try to make the world a better place, and myself a better mother. For you.

in truest love,
~mama