Dear Liberty,

Lou, you are 10!!! How is it that the girl that waited so long to be born is already a decade old?

Ten years ago you were a tiny owlet nestled in my arms and now you are 10, spreading your wings and soaring to new heights. Happy 10th birthday, my wise and beautiful girl!

What a year you had in school! In the FLEX program you excelled and were so happy! No more fighting over your socks or trying to put your screaming body into the car, you are so content. You got straight A’s again, a perfect score on your Virginia Studies SoL test, and were a leader to your classmates. You were kind, organized, and determined. You woke up each morning ready to go and start your day of learning. You kept up with your activity log and spent so much of the day reading, you love Diary of a Wimpy Kid and the Babysitter’s Club, and even worked in harp practice each day. You made powerpoints, created beautiful art, researched Google Maps, excelled in fractions and decimals, and transported all over Virginia in your immersive adventures. You even wrote a story about Owen that was read all the way in the United Kingdom! Not too shabby for a girl that used to hate to write. The school year ended with you being awarded the Presidential Education Award for your grades and leadership.

Like an owl perched upon a branch, you are observing the world with wide-eyed wonder and wisdom. The owl, with its keen vision and acute perception, symbolizes your ability to see beyond the surface and understand the deeper meanings of life. You have a natural curiosity that compels you to seek knowledge. May you always be curious as you search for the best life has to offer.

Just like the owl, you possess remarkable intelligence and intuition. Your keen mind absorbs information and your curiosity continues to grow. Embrace this wisdom, symbolized by the owl, and let it guide you on your journey through life.

But the owl is not only wise; it is also graceful. Your gentle nature and kind heart radiate a warmth that touches everyone around you. You have an innate wisdom that helps you understand people and emotions. You remind me so much of Mal when someone swallows wrong, you rush to their side and make sure they have water or whatever they need. You always know when someone is having a bad day and I just love how you and Adleigh stick up for each other against Canton or Dad. May you always view your empathy as a strength. Knowing yourself helps you know the world. True strength is not diminishing someone else’s light, it’s letting everyone shine.

The next ten years will change a lot. You will be out in the world, finding your place in it. As you embark on this next decade of your life remember to trust your instincts and embrace your unique voice. Just as the owl hoots its distinct call, be confident in expressing your thoughts, ideas, and dreams. Don’t let anyone silence your voice. Your voice has the power to inspire others and make a positive impact in the world.

In the years ahead, there may be times when life seems challenging or uncertain. It will be full of twists and turns, triumphs and challenges. During those moments, remember the resilience of the owl. It is a creature of the night, soaring through darkness with unwavering determination. I don’t know anyone more determined than you. The girl who taught herself to ride a bike, swim, and cartwheel. And even though your asthma can slow you down, you never let it stop you. Trust in your inner strength and know that you have the ability to overcome any obstacle that comes your way, and I will always be here to lift you higher.

I am immensely proud of the person you are becoming. You are my wise little owl, spreading your wings and preparing to take flight into a future filled with endless possibilities. Embrace your uniqueness, use your wisdom, follow your passions, and always stay true to yourself.

This first decade with you was a dream. Some relatives bet that I would not have another baby after Canton, that I couldn’t love another child like I loved him. But, that’s the thing about love, it makes your heart grow, not shrink. The bond between us will stretch over this next decade, but it will never ever break. I am here for you aujourd’hui, demain, “tomorrow tomorrow”, forever.

Happy 10th birthday, my precious owl. May your future be filled with joy, love, wisdom, and magic.

Je t’aime hibou!!!

I love you, Liberty!!! Me and Lou and Lou and me, so happy together!!!

Love,
Mom