Letter for a 9-year-old

(I'm copying your idea, Becca:o)

Dear Hannah,

Today you are nine years old! We keep talking about how this is your last year in the single digits. You have been planning your birthday party since February. We are going to the WOW Zone with 3 of your friends: Ashton, Sidney, and Savanna. Speaking of friends, we always thought you would be a social butterfly. From a very early age, you always enjoyed being around lots of people and would often talk to strangers in lines at stores, at the doctor's office, etc...Daddy and I were just noticing the other day that it seems this is not the case anymore. I wouldn't call you quiet (not even close). I'd say you have a keen social sense. You understand social norms, and do not like to call attention to yourself by violating them. You can be quite reserved when you are out of your comfort zone. As it turns out, you tend to find a few good friends and then are fiercely loyal to those friendships. You are more at home one-on-one than in a large group. However, you remain socially excitable. When you are in a situation where you are comfortable and with people you trust, you are a risk-taker. You are boisterous, loud, wild, and silly. You love to make people laugh. And laugh we do...at your botched punch lines when telling jokes, at your extremely long-winded and detailed stories, at your incessant movie quotes, at your excessively long and loud gas expulsions (AKA "toots"), at your contagious laughter.

You are a girl of contrasts and extremes - highs and lows. You can be doubling over with laughter one moment and dissolving into tears the next. You can be so helpful and selfless, and yet have a tendency to shirk your duties and demand your own way. You can be thrown into a lion-like rage over a relatively benign offense; you can be as cuddly and docile as a kitten. You feel things deeply and can't always explain what's in your heart. You are light-hearted, yet reflective; full of energy, yet you love your sleep; you tell me you think I hate you, and later you wonder if you might be my favorite. You "get" people which leads to a variety of contrasting characteristics and emotions: compassion, manipulation, empathy, self-pity, encouragement, or pushing all the right (wrong) buttons... There are days when it seems you can do no wrong. There are days when "you're going down, and you're taking Mama with you." You either love things or you hate them. You are passionate, exuberant, determined, and strong. However, if you are discouraged, you might wallow, give up, throw a screaming/crying fit, or give the silent treatment. You're a fireball and a spitfire. Yet, you can be so gentle and caring and low-key. I could go on and on...one thing is for sure though: you are one or the other. There's rarely an "in between" with you, my precious daughter.

One of the activities you are very passionate about right now is reading. If I don't know where you are, the first place I check is your bedroom. I can usually find you there curled up and engrossed in a book. You like historical fiction, the "Alice" series, A to Z mysteries, and biographies. You have especially enjoyed the missionary biographies we've read for school this year. I actually had to set parameters for when it is appropriate to be reading. You also enjoy our pets, swimming, watching movies, and crafts. If you are not reading, you're probably playing with Ethan or Sarah. You get along quite well with Ethan. The two of you can be very creative in your play. Sarah is another story. One minute you are best friends; the next you can't stand each other. The two of you have that competitive sister thing going on. We've had numerous discussions about how you are each special in unique ways and loved so much for exactly who you are. Yet, like most sisters I suppose, you both know just how to push each other's buttons.

You love wearing sweats and sweatshirts (a girl after your mother's heart). You don't like to wear dresses. You enjoy wild amusement park rides...the wilder the better. You don't like to be in a place where you don't know anyone. You like to be cuddled and tickled. You can't stand it when your sister's leg "accidentally" touches yours on the couch. You adore babies, toddlers, and teenage girls. You love to tell long and detailed stories (a girl after your father's heart). Your favorite food is chili. You do not like milk. You crave coffee, but are only allowed small tastes now and then. You're always good for hearty laughter. You give the silent treatment when you are angry. More than anything, you desire to be understood.

I love you, my sweet girl. I pray that you will come to know the significance and security that comes only from your relationship with Jesus. That you will be grounded in His love for you. That you desire to love and serve Him wholeheartedly. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. I know it full well.

Love,
Mommy, Mama, Mom (I'm so glad you're still comfortable with calling me all three)
(I started writing this a week ago; Hannah's birthday is the 27th)