Emma was baptized on April 14th. She was delighted to have lots of family there! She took her choice to be baptized very seriously and knew it was right years ago. She was ready. I know every parent is proud of their children, but when they are old enough to make decisions on their own and they choose the right it...well, it's a swelling kind of proud that I was grateful to feel. We had warm weather all week and woke to a cold and windy day...Emma's favorite. I have written before that some days just work out better than you hoped and you know it'll stay with you forever. Thankfully, this was one.
Dear Dear Emma,
Remember when you came to me with a huge smile on your face that Saturday morning? And you were so excited, but there was a reverence about you that carried through our house? Thanks for that. It was lovely to watch you do this great thing, confident that you were doing it right and knowing that Heavenly Father is proud of you for it.
You were so happy to see family you loved there for you and mindful of the family that was there in spirit. That made me happy because you get what matters. Someday you will look back and remember a few details but you won't ever forget how that felt.
You asked Dad to be the one to baptized you and he was honored. When I took you to him and you entered the water I burst into tears. You turned to me and smiled...still so calm. I felt like all of the sudden you were so big and capable. And you are. You know what is right and you love to do what's right. Dad took you into his arms that day and I wish you could have seen the joy in his face. It was a lot like the joy on his face.
You remind me of your dad when you get super competitive during a game of driveway basketball:) Or when you work hard to accomplish what you want. That's something I admire about both of you.
I think you already know, but just don't forget that your sisters adore you. Regan looks up to you with fierce admiration and laughs with you like best friends should. Lyla watches you...wow...she reall cares about what you are doing and loves to be in on it.
Remember when we went to that doctor not too long before you got baptized? And he said that your brain and nervous system are nearly developed by age 8? I was astounded when you turned to me and said, "Heavenly Father knew that and that is why we are ready to be baptized when we are 8! That's when we know how to make choices." That's your way...quick o figure things out and then apply them.
Then there's me. As your mom I am incredibly proud of you, but I just
love who you are as a person. You know this because I tell you "Little Emma"
stories at bedtime, but you weren't always feeling great when you were a
baby. It was so hard to watch you fight to feel better, but you always
wanted me. No matter how mad you you got or how much it hurt and even
if you still needed to cry you always melted into me while I held you
and held you. And you know what, I would do it again. You are one
tough kid. A peace-maker. A funny big sister. A helper. A child of
God.
All My Love,
Mom
