Life has become so busy these days that it wasn’t until I came down the stairs, prepared my coffee, and booted up my computer this morning that I realized I hadn’t written anything about Melina’s birthday. No, I didn’t forget the date or that she’d be turning ten today. I didn’t even forget that it was her actual birthday–I knew that when I sat down. But I think that with my mind in a state of complete chaos, writing something about my youngest child didn’t register as top priority.

That’s not to say that Melina isn’t a priority, for she is. And this year, like every other year, I promised her favorite foods at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. So while I might have neglected to find the time to put words to the page before today, I found plenty of opportunities to get to the store and make sure that we have the fixings for her meals. (In fact, I went to multiple stores to be certain that I had exactly what I needed. This is Melina we’re talking about here.)

And those moments at the store gave me adequate time to think about that wee beast who isn’t quite so wee anymore and how she now has to use two hands to say her age. (Not that she would, mind you. She’s all about the words. ALL. ABOUT. THE. WORDS.)

So I give her this: more words.

Words that say I love you. I’m proud of you. I am excited to see you flourish and grow physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. You are a sweet girl, Melina, with a heart made of gold and a smile worth more than anything. You’re resilient and strong at the same time, snarky and witty and clever and wise. You, my dear, are the kid I’d want to be if I had known you way back when.

But for the love of Pete, can we please just slow life down a little bit?

Happiest of Birthdays to you, Melina.

Image of colorful numeral 10 by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay.com.