In an Emma Minute

Dear Emma,
For you, some things just take time.
Like finishing your meal.
Cleaning up your toys.
Finishing your homework.
Getting dressed.
Getting your attention.
Getting out the door.
Even blowing out one small candle.

Some things even take six years.
Like finishing your meal.
Mastering Mario Kart.
Learning how to shoot fireballs at whoever stands in your path.
Realizing your dream of going to Game School one day.
Learning to count to 100 in French.
Creating countless masterpieces of the most smiley and heartwarming art ever.
Perfecting your smiliest smile.
Specializing in the world’s best hugs, most playful tickles and most affectionate kisses.
Being the most loyal little sister and the most compassionate big sister.
Becoming a Princess Peach, but even sweeter.
Blossoming into the most beautiful blessing.
And now, blowing out six big girl candles.

Better than any Amazon Package waiting for me at our doorstep, you are a gift from God that I’m fortunate enough to receive again and again, each new day.
It didn’t take me six years to realize that you are truly a gift that keeps on giving, but I knew it from the very minute I first held you close to my heart, six years ago.

Six years can feel like one minute and one minute can feel like six years.
Then there’s one Emma minute which can also feel like the longest minute.

In those times when a minute feels like an Emma minute, I will try to remember that I will never get that Emma minute back.
I will remind myself that the most beautiful things just take time to grow and that God makes all things beautiful, in His time.
I will cherish every long, short and sweet minute of you. Even every long and excruciatingly slow bite.

Happy Sweet 6th Birthday, strong and sweet, competitive and compassionate, one and only, Emmers.
With the exception of when you’re in your crazy competitive gamer mode, I love witnessing you grow into the most caring daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend, child of God that puts others first.

I want every minute of you to last forever and yet I know that somehow you’re getting even better by the hour.
I love you the most today and yet I know I’ll somehow love you even more tomorrow.
Until then, I will not count the minutes and years, but I will take my time, give my time and cherish our minutes now because it’s all we have that counts.
Game School can wait at least another six years, my dear sweet Princess Peach.
For now, loving every Emma minute.
J