abi at 10.

My wee Abi,

You’ll always be wee in my eyes.
Little feet that ran around the house, that infectious giggle bubbling over and your little voice, always humming, always singing.

And now that you’re on the cusp of growing I can see the struggle at times. The strive for more independence but the need for the securities that come with being little; the change from single to double digits was big in your wee mind.

So for you on the beginning of your next decade, here are some truths to nestle in your soul…

…you are enough. You will always be enough, don’t believe the lies that tell you that you need to look or dress a certain way…you, just as you are, are beautiful.

…live loved. Know you are loved, by us and by God…know it, show it to others; pass it on.

…enjoy the moments. That’s it. Live fully in each and every moment. Nothing more is promised so as best you can, live fully and contentedly in the now.

…look for the good in others. It is there no matter how hard you have to search for it. Look for it…it’ll soften your own soul.

…follow your heart – clichéd I know, but there are gifts and qualities planted in your wee soul, follow the path you were made for; the passions and injustices that stir your blood – you will do real good in womanhood if you harness these for good.

…be little – there is plenty of time for doing the ‘grown up’ things of life. You will look back on these days with fondness I hope, so go do what you’re so very, very good at…imagining, playing, creating.

We will always be your cheerleaders Abs no matter what and will be there to gather you up when you fall. You will achieve and you will fail over and over again but that is part of life – know that there is no shame and no harm in failing, we learn great lessons from times such as these.

I know in your next decade you will emerge as a beautiful and vivacious woman. I hope, throughout, you gather the moments that will set you up for a life that is lived and embraced to the full.

We love our our first wee dote.

xx