A letter from Mommy and Daddy

Dear Sydney,

We are writing this letter to tell you how much we love you, and how very much you mean to us. One of the best days of our lives was the day that you were born. As you know, Daddy was so very excited that you were about to be born that he left the house with one black shoe on and one brown.

We had picked your name out weeks before. We picked Sydney as your first name, from Sydney Australia where we spent such a wonderful honeymoon, and your middle name Elleen, for your Great Grandmother. It was such an exciting time. We had no idea how many special ways you would bless our lives.

In just a few weeks you will be seven years old. You are becoming such a big girl. We have noticed the ways you help with your brother and sister, the ways that you care for others, and how strong and patient you are with all the many doctor's visits, pokes, and tests you go through. You have such strength and courage. We couldn't be prouder.

We also want to tell you how much we enjoy spending time with you, reading together, playing games together, taking walks and traveling together. You are truly a joy to be around. We cherish every minute that we have with you. In fact, we cherish all our moments more because you have been in our lives.

Mommy and Daddy have so many hopes for you. We hope that you continue to grow your caring for others, your optimism, and we hope that all of your dreams can come true. We will continue to do everything we can to make sure you have the opportunities to make that happen. We believe in you, and we believe that with hope, love, and perseverance, anything is possible. Our greatest hope for you is, as Jonathan Swift wrote, "May you live all the days of your life".
Being your parents has been one of the greatest gifts. You help remind us every day that life is so special, and that every day is a blessing. You are so special.

We found this quote that reminds us of you by Elisabeth Guizot:
"There is in every true woman's heart a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up, and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity."

You are the spark.

Love,
Mommy and Daddy