I like to pride myself on being that Mom that's always on top of things. Special occasions and particularly, birthdays are my jam. Not to toot my own horn or anything, toot! toot! but for 24 years, since we had our first child, I've knocked the birthdays and special occasions, out of the park. We've hired clowns, had turtle races, hay mazes, slumber parties, dress up parties, karaoke, I mean, you name it, we've done it for birthdays. I decorate for every occasion including Valentine's Day. . I say "we" because the cowboy wrote the checks. He has never made the first phone call with regard to the party planning ever, but he paid for most of it. Okay that's wrong, for me...he has rocked the big ones and I am grateful.
This year, our craziest year ever, the year of the wedding...I had an epic fail. I received my first ever F on any birthday report card. Today is my tiny's 22nd birthday. Today, she will not receive a birthday package or even a card in the mail from her mom because, I suck. I didn't send one. Now, in my defense, I told her to go buy some boots because boots are hard. She has tiny skinny snake feet and needs to try them on. Of course she didn't and of course I did and they will be here waiting on her in a couple of weeks but IT'S NOT THE SAME. Every year of their life, for EVERY OCCASION, if they are away, I send a package so they have something to open. IT'S WHAT I DO. Ironically, I just sent her and her roommate a package last week that has yet to arrive and if I know God, it will magically appear in her mail today, but it still has squat to do with her birthday. :( I suck.
So, since I didn't send anything, I thought I'd write her a love letter. Because after all, I'm a writer and it's what I do. So Emma Charleston...this is for you.
Happy birthday to my little barrel racing, roping, Jesus, mommy, daddy, sissy and J.T. loving, gal. I'm so very proud of the young lady that you've become and believe me I wasn't sure it would ever happen. Hahahahaha. I'm kidding, kind of. You were raised right and taught right from wrong so I knew you'd figure it out someday. Hopefully sooner than later. I mean, there are still some things to learn. I learned just this year not to challenge you to a fight. Emma will protect herself and her momma. We've seen it and it's terrifying. But to give an example of what my little gal has become, other than 5'3 and bullet proof, I want to tell you a story.
When Quincy was engaged, Colt's family had a shower for them in Katy, Texas where he is from. Emma came down and met us and met Colt's family. It was a four-hour drive one way. She's in college for crying out loud. Don't college kids have better things to do on Saturday nights that hang out with their sister's future in-laws? Apparently not this kid. She drove all that way and stayed with me at my high school friend's home, who she has met maybe six times. It was precious. And then she said she wanted to leave early Sunday morning to get back because she loves her church and didn't want to miss it. "What did you say?" Did everyone read that? Do you know what that did to this Momma's heart? Oh my. Well, I explained that God knew she was with us and He'd understand if she didn't make it back but just the mere thought that she wanted to made my heart swell. She slept in, joined us all for breakfast, hung out a little more and headed back. It was wonderful. But later that day, after she got back to school, she sent me a video sermon. It was her preacher. Emma texted me a sermon. Be still my heart. I cried a little and then I just couldn't get the gigantic smile off of my face.
No matter how far your career takes you, no matter how many gold buckles you win, this right here is why I'm the most proud of you. In your own time, in a church you chose, you have developed a beautiful relationship with Jesus and you can see it in your heart and on your beautiful face. I may have really sucked at this birthday, but I have rocked at raising you. Thank you for making me laugh, making me cry and being wonderful, independent, one of a kind...you.
Happy birthday Emma. I love you. Timber will be bringing my cake any minute. I just can't let it go. ;)
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