Audrey Nole,
I know I say this every year, but it is honestly shocking that you are currently celebrating your 7th birthday. I look at the beautiful and kind young lady you have become and I still often see the tiny little nugget that we brought home from the hospital on this day 7 years ago. The big wide eyes that took in the world from almost the minute they entered it; you still carry those enormous, and perfectly beautiful eyes, and they still melt every piece of my heart. You are such a lovely little lady. And your daddy and I couldn’t be more proud of the person you have become.
You have this incredible joy about you. Its a gift, truly, and I hope that as you grow older you will realize just how much good you can do in this world because of it. Even as you face our upcoming move, through all of the nerves of the unknown, you remain joyful and continue to pour life into everyone around you. That’s not easy, sweet girl, and I thank God every day for that special piece of you. I hope that as you finish out this school year and say goodbye to the place you’ve called home for these last 7 years, that you will shine brightly for the Lord and show the world all the ways that He has provided and continues to sustain you. Moving, especially across the country, brings with it lots of big girl emotions, and my prayer for you is that you would feel God’s presence in each and every moment of those big feelings. That you would never forget how much He loves you, and that if even the birds are loved and cared for, how much more deeply the Father’s love is for you.
As I write this, you are at your drama class where you are practicing for your performance in a few weeks. Audrey Nole, I knew that theater was going to be your thing from a very young age, but it has been so much fun to watch just how much you are enjoying it. You come home each Wednesday with a full cup and your whole face is lit up as you walk in the door from the car. It has also been so fun to listen to you tell us all about the things you are reading and learning, and the books that you want to read and add to your queue. You are quite the little reader and your love for learning has blossomed over these last few months. You tell daddy and I all the time that you want to be a vet, a nurse, a surgeon, and a movie star. Daddy and I can’t wait to help you along whichever path you choose, and be your biggest cheerleaders as you take on the world!
We love you so much, sweet girl. Being your mama and daddy is our favorite thing to do and be. We thank God every day for you and pray that you would continue to do wonderful things for His kingdom as you start this next year. May you always feel God’s loving presence guiding you. May you always be a light to those around you. May you always know how much we love you.
How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
that He should send His only son
to make a wretch a treasure.
And what a treasure you are! Happy Birthday, Audrey Nole!
Love,
Mama & Daddy
