Constant Beginnings

Dearest Claire and Mya, It has been some time since I've actually written a letter to motivate, inspire and share my hopes and dreams for you. I suppose life got in the way. Regardless, there is no excuse. My hope is these letters will live on long after I am gone. I hope you will hear my voice as you read them, understand the love I have for you, and know that I am always walking along side you, cheering you on each step of the way. You are both so young, yet so compassionate. Your concern for others inspires me. Compassion is seeing someone who is suffering, understanding or feeling their pain and having the desire to help. I witness your compassion on a daily basis. When Mya is crying, Claire, you are the first to lend a hand, ask her what is wrong and try to make things right. When I complain that I am not feeling well, Mya, you are the first to bring me a blanket, give me a kiss and ask me if I am okay. There is a new child at school. She is in the first grade and suffers...

Dearest Claire and Mya, Wow, what a whirlwind we've been experiencing. Daddy just returned to us after 5 long weeks away and you are just so excited to have him back in your worlds. So excited. Claire, you actually teared up when he was hugging you and Mya, when you were in his arms, your little legs were kicking with shear delight. It was an absolute beautiful sight. Daddy was at the gym when you woke this morning, so one can only imagine the confusion that you must have felt wondering if seeing him last night was simply a dream. You were both easily assured that he would return after work tonight. The rest of our morning went seamlessly knowing that his face would greet you soon. The past 5 weeks alone with the two of you will be treasured by me always. You are the greatest joys and sources of pride in my life--and you're still babies!! Daddy and I love you like we never imagined possible. We do our best to never leave your side, which many cannot understand. You are my lit...

fun in the new princess tent from grammy and papa! claire insisted she put on her princess dress for the inauguration as well. dearest claire and mya, i am not great at keeping up with my "little life lessons" as i'd hoped. i had the best of intentions, but right now i can barely keep up with documenting all the great things in our lives. forgive me. i know you'll look back and read these entries time and time again, captivated by all the wonderful experiences we shared and all the amazing things you accomplished along the way. my little life lesson number 2 relates back to the very different ways your daddy and i were raised. i am sure you'll hear of this as you get older, over and over again, that our backgrounds are vastly different, yet we are unified in the lessons we want you to learn. many adults go through their lives not seeing their strengths, not speaking up when their voice is needed. they take the 'easy road,' then drown in self-p...