It all started 15 years ago in a hospital in Florida.
On February 28th, 1998 a little girl was born.
She was red and wrinkly and she screamed a lot, but she didn't stay that way for long. Her parents named her Abigail Faith, and her two older sisters welcomed her with little, loving, open arms... and we gave her her first bath.
She started Kindergarten a year early for two reasons. One, because she heard her older sisters reciting lessons and she loved to be like us, so she did it too! Secondly, is because she got into a lot of trouble while her mother was teaching her older sisters... she desperately needed something to do.
She grew up to be strong and opinionated... just like her older sisters. Maybe she learned too much from them.
She started playing the piano when she was 8, and she hasn't been satisfied with mediocre music since. Mandolin is her most recent aspiration, and she is improving her talent by the day.
She found she had a passion for reading good, old, English literature. Lord Byron is one of her favorites- she can recite stanza upon stanza.
We've worked together, fought together, cried together and laughed together. For 15 years we all shared the same room, the same clothes and the same toothpaste. Thankfully, we had our own toothbrushes (and underwear!!)
Never have I seen anyone be so dedicated to learning. You can't make her stop reading and researching... trust me, we've tried! When she was studying Botany, Marine Biology, and Astronomy in Elementary school, we knew that if we couldn't find her, she was off somewhere reading ahead in her science textbook or researching plankton because "It's fun!"
She grew up (literally) and is now taller than both of her older sisters. She's lovely, graceful (most of the time) and has very pretty long brown hair. She doesn't hold her height advantage over me at all... we both have accepted each other and the way God has made us... except when she picks me by my waist and I can't do anything about it... but that's another story.
She reads. Oh, does she read! For years Abigail has been the best reader in the house. We used to take long trips as a family when we went with our dad on his trips for work (props of being homeschooled!). Whenever there was a book to be read, Abigail was the one to read it aloud. We wouldn't even let her eat if we were at an exciting part! (Not really, but kinda, yeah.)
She loves, loves, loves Doctor Who... and C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy... and lots of other sci-fi stuff. You wouldn't think it when you look at her, would you? She's full of smarts and surprises.
When she was little, I helped her walk on her pudgy little legs. I helped teach her words so she could talk, too. I read her books till she could read, I sang songs that she could sing.
Now, she's not so little, and she teaches me things... like how I need to be a better big sister, how to do the body roll and how to salsa dance. She's growing into a young lady with tastes, passions, thoughts, and opinions. I am so glad that God has made each and every one of us unique!!
Abigail is Abigail, and I have never met anyone like her.
So, if you read this, Abigail, and if you would let me give you an encouragement, this would be it.
Enjoy being 15.
Adulthood comes soon enough, don't rush it. You'll miss so many opportunities to be a teenager who glorifies God if you rush into being a grown-up. Sit tight for as long as you can. Have fun! Sleepovers, pillow fights, dance parties, silly stories... it's all good! Be thankful you don't drive yet, Mommy will send you on errands soon enough. I'll be your chauffeur for now. And together we will sing songs with the windows down!
Enjoy being you.
You already enjoy learning, so I don't have to tell you that! I know we tease you (sometimes too much... I'm sorry!) about being the "smart one", but that is you! God made you to be that way!
Stand out. Be different. - all for the glory of God! -
That will make a statement to the world.
You are already such a responsible and dedicated young lady. Keep going. Life (as you know) can be a little crazy sometimes... don't let is swallow you up. Make time for God, family, friends and hobbies. Life is all about relationships, learning and growing... but not just through books. Experience new things and love living life.
I love you! I Love You! I LOVE YOU, Abigail Faith!! Happy 15th birthday!!
ps. It's snowing on your birthday!! How stinkin' cool is that!?!
Abigail is Abigail, and I have never met anyone like her.
So, if you read this, Abigail, and if you would let me give you an encouragement, this would be it.
Enjoy being 15.
Adulthood comes soon enough, don't rush it. You'll miss so many opportunities to be a teenager who glorifies God if you rush into being a grown-up. Sit tight for as long as you can. Have fun! Sleepovers, pillow fights, dance parties, silly stories... it's all good! Be thankful you don't drive yet, Mommy will send you on errands soon enough. I'll be your chauffeur for now. And together we will sing songs with the windows down!
Enjoy being you.
You already enjoy learning, so I don't have to tell you that! I know we tease you (sometimes too much... I'm sorry!) about being the "smart one", but that is you! God made you to be that way!
Stand out. Be different. - all for the glory of God! -
That will make a statement to the world.
You are already such a responsible and dedicated young lady. Keep going. Life (as you know) can be a little crazy sometimes... don't let is swallow you up. Make time for God, family, friends and hobbies. Life is all about relationships, learning and growing... but not just through books. Experience new things and love living life.
I love you! I Love You! I LOVE YOU, Abigail Faith!! Happy 15th birthday!!
ps. It's snowing on your birthday!! How stinkin' cool is that!?!
