Today our firstborn turns seven. I realized with a start, as she proudly announced her new age this morning, that I never imagined her turning seven. I imagined her turning six and starting first grade; I imagined her turning one and walking, turning two and talking. But I never dreamed beyond six years old - she has done the unthinkable, graduated on to childhood from her young years with me.
Naomi is sweet and sassy, precious and prickly, delightful and demanding, fun-loving yet fearful, precociously wise and intuitive and verbal and an old, old soul. From the day of her birth Naomi has been a painful joy both to herself and to those of us close to her. It’s not easy being deeply aware of yourself and others and trying to walk through life that way. Yet she has coped with a tenderness and perseverance that often bring me to tears. Inside that amazingly wonderful little body and behind that winsome face lies a precious treasure of a soul . . . One unlike any the world has seen. I don’t know what your life will bring, baby girl, but it will be amazing for all around you to see.
Naomi loves colors of all kinds and beauty in patterns and shapes. She is an artist at heart and draws people and animals with the most beatific faces and smiles you’ve ever seen - they make you laugh in delight. Now she is writing stories about events real and imagined and the conversations and word pictures are wonderful. She is in a stage of trying, learning, growing; bikes, swimming, writing, reading, jump roping, cross country running, learning to fall asleep by herself. She has a great list of to-be-accomplished’s that she works on when she can even as she continues to expand on the things she has already begun. Friendships are paramount; Her soul mates from the States; Rebecca and Hayley are never far from her mind. But here she is growing new friendships too with Liana and Louisa and Rebecca and Daniel - who she trusts as she has trusted few others in her life. Naomi loves languages, places, and travel. She loves math and history and Bible. She loves her brother fiercely and truly. She loves to be held and snuggled, but only on her own terms.. She loves to be listened to. She loves gifts.
Naomi, your name means sweetness and how well it suits you. We are thankful each day for your wonderfully unique spirit, for the joy with which you face the challenges of your days and for the angst that also accompanies you. We love watching you learn and grow and are certain of nothing more than that you are perfectly yourself - the you God made you to be. We rejoice in that and in you. Happy Seventh Birthday, Sweetness. May God fill you with joy.