today is savannah's 5th birthday; this is for her:
my dearest savannah,
today is your fifth birthday. what a happy and remarkable day! i write this to you today while you are at school, learning and having fun with your friends.
i'm looking forward to seeing you this afternoon, and bringing the cupcakes you want to share with the rest of your class. i'm so happy that you have other people who care about you to help you celebrate this wonderful day.
i can't believe i've only known you for five short years. i barely remember my life without you in it. i think you have always been here, somewhere if only in my mind. how lucky i am to know you!
things have been so busy and crazy this year. i know you have been kind and patient with me, even though i'm not always home and i don't always have time to do things with you that you like to do. i know it will be more difficult until i finish school, but i know and i promise that giving me the chance to do this will make things so much better for all of us when it is over.
i miss spending time with you, and miss being able to tuck you into bed each night. it will get better and easier, i promise.
i'm looking forward to all the things you might do in the next year, as you continue to amaze me everyday.
thank you for everything you are and everything you share with me. i know that one of the reasons i've done as well in school as i have up until now is because of you, and all that i've learned from you.
i love you with all my heart. and i hope that each birthday you have finds you happier than the one before.
always and forever,
mommy