On your 11th month...

Dearest Julia,

This is it. A month from now and you will be a year old. I cannot imagine how time went by so fast. We made it through and through, Darling. We made it through.

You have inspired me so much to become the best person that I can be. You have taught me what real love is all about. You have taught me to become patient and more loving. You have taught me to value and enjoy the little things life has to offer.

Because you are blossoming to be big girl now, Mama is going to inspire you with some thoughts that I will instill to you one day.

We’ve been through so much already that I can easily imagine that we are like warriors of some sort. We have to be the strongest warrior there is, Julia. Our journey isn’t over yet. Everyday, we continue to take a leap towards the future. We have to keep moving forward. We have to continue to welcome the positive energy that the beautiful world has to offer.

Lets take everything one day at a time. Each day is filled with so much happiness and mystery. Each day we welcome new things and learn new beginnings. At the end of the day, what matters is how we spent it – beautifully. Let all the days of your life be beautiful and happy. Always let go of the worries and try not to let your eyebrows do the talking (like you oftentimes do). Worry is useless.

Always take time to smell the flowers, kiss the sun, dance under the rain, run across the fields and roll over and over the green grass. Just be careful not to hurt yourself. Mama has been a lover of nature and the trees amongst others. I want you to be the same. Plant a tree.

Always practice kindness. In all ways, be kind. You never know what kind of battle the person next to you is struggling with.

Be prayerful. God answers prayers. He listens when nobody does. We have a great God, Julia. He gave me you. You’re the best gift that He has given me.

Be grateful to everybody who has learned to love and care for you. People have been so inspired with your story and I would want you to be grateful to them just because.

Never quit. I know sometimes, you feel like giving up. At times, it may seem impossible for you to reach a goal – never give up. Keep trying, sweetheart.

I can go on and on and someday my list will keep getting longer. Someday, you will all understand where Mama is coming from.

Just smile. Smile at your worries. Smile at your fears.

And when all else fails (just in case it does) – always remember that you’ve got me and I’ve got you.

The end.