Dear Ellie,
Happy 14th Birthday! Last year, your birthday fell just before the world shifted drastically with the pandemic. And unfortunately, just as we thought things were clearing out, we are in quarantine over your birthday. We know the rescheduling of Nana and Dude’s trip, the loss of Carowinds, the shortened field hockey season, the uncertainty of being with friends and all of the other COVID craziness has been challenging, but you have shined through it all. We are incredibly proud of who you are and we genuinely enjoy your presence and spirit in our daily lives.
To change things up this year, we are going to focus on your best qualities as we see them at this age.
Persevering— whether training for and hiking the AT, focusing on field hockey, or reading the entire Bible; when your mind is set on the task, you are determined to make it happen. Dad nicknamed you “No BS” on the trail, because you would not take any beauty stops, but pushed to the top of the mountain to some amazing views. We love how you are not swayed from things that are important to you. You live with intention, which makes it easy to trust your judgment and decisions.
Kind-hearted—we admire how deeply you care about your friends and family. This year, you have taken to cooking Friday night dinners when mom is at work, and you are readily available to help your friends with homework questions or offer an encouraging word. You do a lot of tasks that are not glorifying, but still you have empathy and a caring heart that focuses on what benefits others.
Resilient—it’s no secret that this has been a year of adapting to all the changes: there have been so many cancelations, change of plans, limitations, and disappointments ushered in by the pandemic. Yet, you maintain a positive attitude and don’t dwell in what could have been. Perhaps all these years of living with the daily chaos your brothers bring has prepared you well for bouncing back.
Mature—you’re independent, confident, and dependable. In some ways most of what we see in you could be summarized by maturity. But more precisely, you’ve become more efficient at homework and in your initiative to find jobs to earn money. We also lean on you around the house for completing chores, cooking, and managing all things tech-related. We know you will follow through and do things with excellence.
Emerging leader—you tend to be more reserved and allow others to take the lead, but also you have stepped up to lead at home and among your peers. Others look up to you and respect you. You have learned to supervise your brothers and provided us the ability to go on a date and feel like things are under control. We are especially proud of how you rose up to be the captain of the field hockey team and led and encouraged the new sixth grade players. The commitment you have made to the team means that the coach can depend on you and the other girls look up to you, which are true signs of a leader.
We honor you this day and are incredibly grateful for the young woman God has created you to be. We are blessed He has entrusted us with your care and we continue to pray for you as you determine God’s path for you in both big and small ways.
Love,
Mom and Dad
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