A birthday is such a great time to reflect. My oldest daughter, the one who will be CEO of something, be the one to organize my Nursing Home arrangements, and was born with wings to fly far from home celebrates another year tomorrow. So … I reflect.

If she, Addison, were not my daughter, I would want to be her friend. She is a faithful friend. She doesn’t give up on people. She sees the best in them, putting up with a lot … sometimes too much and gets her heart hurt. But, she’s faithful. I believe she desires her friends to see love from a greater source … her source. I would be her friend.


If she, Addison, were not my daughter, I would want her to be my sister. She is a committed sister. Opting to have Libby sleep in her bed with her and watch a movie until they fall asleep together takes commitment. Taking precious Parker out to coffee so they can catch up on life, knowing soon and very soon those coffee dates will be few and far between … all spells commitment to me. She truly loves her sisters. (Yes, they fight. Yes, they get on her nerves. Yes, she can be bossy and they mumble impolite words beneath their breath. However, at the end of the day … they remain committed.) I would be her sister.



Next year at this time, I will be preparing to send my little one off to give those wings of hers a try. Right now, I can’t think of that moment … for tears grip my eyes and some unknown hurt that is too painful to bear holds my heart captive. That will have to wait. Those emotions will have to remain far in the future. I can’t unwrap those now … and I don’t have to.



For now, I wait for her to come home from dinner out with friends. This, I know, is preparation for what my future holds.


I love this girl. I have been changed by this girl. I can’t imagine my life without her. I can’t imagine her life … without me.



Addison Kate Elledge … I love you … deeply, profoundly … forever.