Dear Ellen

Dear Ellen,

You are 13 years old and I am so happy for you! I remember, like it was yesterday, when you were born . . . I can close my eyes and tell you about being in the downstairs of the hospital . . . walking around that basement, stopping ever so often at the vending machine just because it was something to look at. Then, after we toured that for 15 - 20 minutes we would climb the stairs and go to the far end of the OB hall where "my room" was. I remember Dr. Marla coming and checking on me - you were my 1st and long awaited - baby!!! Your dad and I didn't tell either set of parents - we were so excited to surprise them like you were to surprise us!

I think right up until the moment you were born, we called you "junior" and I fully expected to have a little boy (while I secretly hoped you would be a little girl) . . . how God must have smiled when He my saw my heart overflowing with joy at you!

I remember the visitors, grandpa Don's classic line was "wow! she has really good color!". So, don't ever doubt your "color" - tanned or tanless, Papa Don knew from the beginning it was beautiful! Grandpa Nelson just sat and held you early in the morning and grandma Shari swaddled you like she has down countless times since. Grandma Bonnie gave you your take home outfit from the hospital - a beautiful pink little outfit with hat and shoes! She loved you from the moment she met you and both her and grandpa Don were honored with your name . . .
Sweet Miss Ellen Janelle.

Dear Ellen, your name was chosen with great care and much love. It means "Light" and Janelle is of course after your aunt, my sister. It reminds me of her and how I love her so dearly and I hope that it will remind you of the love of sisters too which God has given you Two! You are special girls and I pray you can cherish each other like I cherish my sister. Ellen, our prayer is that your life is one that "goes out and spreads beauty and light" in this world. In this dark world. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it . . . and it only takes one flame to dispel the darkness . . . but that flame has to not be afraid to shine and shine brightly!!! In fact, the brighter the flame, the less of the dark . . . courage, bravery, love, Jesus . . . and the darkness goes away. Always.

Ellen, I have tried to be honest with you about being a teenager. In case I haven't been clear, let me reiterate: IT IS HARD. Period.
Notice what I did not say: I didn't say it was impossible (most people grow into their twenties) and I didn't say it was boring or gross or not fun . . . it just takes perseverance--determination. It takes focus on setting your mind to the things that matter and DON'T lose sight of them. You are a beautiful, talented girl fastly evolving into a young woman . . . you amaze me! Your optimism, your talents, your honesty . . . i am so blessed to be your mom, kid! I love you ALWAYS & FOREVER.

I pray God's blessing on you Ellen; I adore You and I love you!