Dear Everly,

Okay, this has all happened way too fast for me! One day, my arms are full of the newborn bundle of joy that is my first grandchild. And today, that bundle of joy is tall and beautiful and hitting the milestone of her first double-digit birthday! To say that I’m proud of you is an understatement. Watching you grow and mature in so many arenas of your life is one of my greatest privileges and joys.

At your school, fourth grade has a reputation for being the year where things gets serious. Homework and projects begin to increase in intensity and volume. Many a third-grader dreads the transition. Fortunately, the teachers are aware of the daunting reputation of this level of learning, and they address it on Day #1.

It was impressive to hear you recount to me what your teacher told your class at the start of the school year. Basically, you learned that the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. There’s no reason to be fearful or overwhelmed, but this idea is great motivation to be diligent and to stay on top of assignments. You’ve done exactly that, and you’re thriving in the classroom. Way to go, fourth-grader!

I’d say you’re thriving pretty well outside of the classroom, too. Your schedule is peppered with play dates – not surprising as your fun, goofball personality always makes for a good time! Your “forever friends” – AKA your cousins – enjoy time with you as you lead them in all kinds of shenanigans, laughs, and love. Whereas you’re silly and funny, you’re just as quick to be serious, compassionate, and attentive to a hurting heart. You bring empathy and wisdom – and always a hug.

While you’re a solid soccer player, your latest aspirations are on the softball field. Watching last spring’s College World Series got you fired up for a collegiate career so for a while, every spare moment was spent outside doing drills and practicing with your dad.

Other current interests include mercilessly shredding me in games of Monopoly and in whatever card game we play. You are cute, you are coy, and you are ruthless. You continue to support me in my initiative to have sweets declared an official food group. There’s “a boy” whose name is mentioned frequently in our conversations. I love our frequent chats about the Bible and Jesus and heaven, and I love that you feel like you can ask me anything and we’ll find the answers together.

You’re a voracious reader of books, but I’m noticing more and more that you’re also a sensitive reader of hearts. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15) You are teaching me how to be more like Jesus. To that little bundle of joy who turns ten years old today, I say, “Thank you!” I love you, Everly, and I wish you a happy, happy birthday! This growing up thing is gonna be tough on me, but I truly can’t wait to see what God has in store for you!

Always loving you with all of my heart,

Milly