Dear Daisy,
Several days after Christmas we started talking birthdays.
It’s really no surprise with Lily’s birthday and your birthday within the first
eight weeks of the year. We talked about how we wanted to celebrate, what types
of cake we wanted and if there were any specific birthday gift requests. A few
days later, over breakfast one morning, you asked if you could have a tree for your
birthday, a tree to plant in the community.
We had been learning and talking about trees. In school you were observing the changing of the tree in the courtyard, drawing and noting when the leaves changed color. You were scientists writing facts and drawings in your observation journals. At home we were talking about trees providing shelter for squirrels and birds and bugs. We read books explaining how trees produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the environment. We walked the neighborhood talking about which trees had the prettiest new blossoms.
I think this perfectly sums your personality: unbelievably
kind, generous, curious, inquisitive and ready to make the world a more
beautiful place. In the end, we had a tree-planting birthday party. We picked a
Red Dragon Japanese Maple Tree for the meditation garden at our church, and with
your friends you got your fingernails dirty digging, planting and watering the
tree before diving into a chocolate cake at the nearby park.
Daisy, these days you are a wonder to behold. Besides the
amazing gift you gave our community, you are also mastering the art of
storytelling. You are constantly making books and writing stories. Creating
skits and plays for you and your sisters and friends to act out. You live
straddling two worlds: a world of dragons and princesses and fairies and
unicorns. But, you also live in a world fueled by logic and precision. You are
passionate about science and facts. You like order and absolute truths. I have
to say that while I love the world of pretend and make believe, it’s been
amazing to see these two worlds of yours merge together.
Honestly though, part of your ability to merge these two
worlds is powered by your younger sisters. They are very much still enthralled
in the world of make-believe, and the three of you love to play together.
Whether you are exploring in your secret garden, or having a tea party with
pirates, I watch the three of you together and am just left in awe at the
relationship that you are forging. The three of you are building a friendship
that I sincerely hope will endure for many, many decades to come. There is
something special about sharing a childhood that creates a bond, which really cannot be
broken. I genuinely hope that you enjoy experiencing life together for the rest
of your days.
Daisy, sweet monkey girl, I hope you always have kindness. I
hope you always enjoy storytelling. I hope you always appreciate your sisters.
And I hope you never lose your creativity.
I love you more than all the stars in the sky and the water
in the ocean. To me, I love you, just doesn’t seem powerful enough.
Love, Momma
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