Six: A Letter to My Angel

Darling Lily,

The other morning I had a quick meeting with your kindergarten teacher and as we wrapped up the chat she told me point blank that you are such an “angelic child.” And you know what, sweet girl, she is absolutely right.

To be honest, I have been struggling trying to figure out just way to say to you this year. This is frustrating to me my love. I am a wordsmith by trade, and when it comes to your letter this year I was just at a loss for words. I look at you and I am absolutely blown away. I just cannot believe that you are six years old. But, here’s the thing, you are truly a wonder to behold.

The Oxford Dictionary defines angelic as a person “exceptionally beautiful, innocent or kind.” And while I believe you are beautiful, it’s the kindness of your spirit that has impressed your teacher this year. Your father and I have always seen this, but there is something so mature in your compassion, humanity and consideration. You love all people. You see grace in every opportunity. You give honest and authentic compliments. You pick up trash at the park.You offer true forgiveness. You listen, you are polite, and you are generous with gifts – treasures you find, pictures you create, books you read. 

Lily, one of the things that I love about being your mother is that you teach me daily how to be kind. Every day you remind me that kindness and love is something we are required to do. A few weeks ago, after ballet class, a little girl was upset. She was crying about losing her sticker from her theater class. And you, my love, marched right up to her, knelt down to her level, and offered your sticker from ballet.

We are taught that kindness is smiling at the neighbors, bringing dinner to a new mom, offering a seat on the bus to the elderly. Random acts of kindness, we say. Small. Unassuming Sensible. But, my love, what you are teaching me is that we are taught wrong. There is nothing small, unassuming or sensible about kindness. The thing about kindness is that requires vulnerability. It is a gift of connection, an ability to truly see others, a generous offering of our own self. It cannot be done strategically. It cannot be done sensibly. You remind me that kindness is something we are required to do all the time, in small measures and large, this offering ourselves to others. We can give stickers and service; we can give greeting cards and grace.

At six year old, you are a joy to be with. I love that you are obsessed with all things Harry Potter. I love that you are constantly practicing the piano. I love that you spend the afternoons practicing your spells and creating new “potions”. I love that you have memorized long passages of Pippi Longstocking and Ramona the Pest. I love that you spend the majority of your day immersed in pretend play. I love that you have fallen in love with bike riding.  I love that you start and end our daily dinner prayer – even on nights when you are sad or frustrated. I love that you stick your tongue out when you think. I love that you are constantly dancing. I love that you infused love and laughter into each and every day.

I love you more than all the stars in the sky and all the water in the ocean. 

Love, Momma