How is it possible she is 21 years old?!!

I really hope I can get through this post in a timely fashion! I am having  hard time coming to terms with the fact that my daughter is turning 21 years old.  I will never forget the day I found out I was pregnant with her.  I was 21 years old myself.  I was scared to death of the thought of becoming a mother.  Inside of me was this person that was going to be relying completely on me!  The fear suddenly turned into excitement... Oh the things we would do together.  I knew it was up to me to set a good example and teach her everything she needed to know so she could live in this world. 

Katrina has taught me so much about life, love and forgiveness.  My life was forever changed the day she was born.  The past 21 years have gone by so fast!  When I sit and look at Katrina I realize I must have done something right in the way I raised her.  The road has not been an easy one for us as mother and daughter.  She has grown up to be an amazing woman and I am honored and blessed to be her mother. 

My dearest Katrina,

I love you from the bottom of my heart!  Know that you are LOVED!  The people who matter are those who love you for exactly who you are!  One thing I pray for you this upcoming year is that you love yourself!  God made you unique and there is no one else like you. 

Psalm 139:14
"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well."

One of the things I admire most about you is the way you can pick another person up when they are having a bad day.  Talk to yourself that way, being critical never works, so enjoy who you are.  Think about how lucky you are to have what you have and the unique talents God has given you.  Instead of looking at your weaknesses, ask yourself what your strengths are.  Feel good about who you are and work on not comparing yourself to others.  I am proof that you don't have to be perfect.  No matter what, God loves you and will give you the grace to pick yourself up and step forward after a mistake.  Sometimes life is hard and bad things happen.  It's how you choose to react that defines your future.  If you have a choice between healthy and unhealthy, choose healthy.  When you step outside look all around you for the beauty God has created.  One of His greatest beauties is YOU! You are a beautiful woman!  I love you with every ounce of my being.  There is nothing I would not do for you.  Your smile is something that picks me up after a long day.  Your giggle is infectious, someone cannot stand next to you and not giggle with you. 

SO I hope you have a very Happy Birthday!  You are one of the strongest women I know.  You have been through so much in your life and yet you brush yourself off and move on.  I love you!