Ten Years Old

Dear Lacey Danielle ...

Oh, the list of thankfuls I have been reminded of on this special day!

From before you were born, you were hoped for and prayed for ...

this baby girl ... five grandchildren before you and five after you

putting you right in the center of our beautiful bunch!

I remember your daddy's call that morning during my walk,

and getting the details, 

for the first time from a dad's perspective ... 

so excited, proud ...

it still brings happy tears to my eyes. 

In the weeks and months that followed 

we found as many excuses as possible for time to hold you.

You studied life around you in all seriousness;

we had to earn those first smiles.

We got to know each other through weekly play dates at the toy box,

walks to the park to check out the geese or the spiral slide,

 back yard swings and story books.

Precious times, for a season. 

Your move gave us opportunities to experience the prairies,

and to receive snail mail that made the mailman smile.

As good as it was, it became even better

when you moved back, ready for school.

And how you have loved school!

It has shown you to be a conscientious girl,

artistic, musical, athletic, brave, the list goes on

but above all, we love how you care. 

I love to see the joy in your eyes when with cousins,

painting, crafting, stirring at the stove or rolling dough.

We share a love for cinnamon buns and you have taught me that

sharing a coloring book is simply a good time to talk.

Lacey, your tender heart and and easy smiles will take you far

in what we see as a determination to do your best.

We will continue to pray and cheer you on in this, your race ...

just don't run too fast or too far. 

With much love,

Papa and Mimi

♡♡♡