Happy 11th birthday, Isabella

To my vivacious daughter who loves nature, and devours life in big bites, never letting her mother forget that life is a precious gift, happy birthday. I have been told that you are my boy because of your boisterous enthusiasm, yet you are sublimely beautiful and feminine, through rough and tumble by turns, just as I was in my scabby-kneed youth.
You are the first to break out the Advent box in November, and decorate the house, the one who finds the daffodils peeking out of the earth in February, and runs to inform me of the first robin of spring. You remind me to pray, and come up with profound spiritual questions while I'm cooking dinner. Your mind is always working, sometimes, making it hard for you to sleep. Just like your mother!
You suffer from allergies, but never let that stop you from loving the outdoors, as you explore the woods beyond our yard with the dog at your side.
You patiently teach Christina how to speak and sing her Barney songs endlessly, sometimes making her collapse in helpless belly laughs with your antics. You are a great companion to your older sister, and I love to listen to you two whispering together in that secret sister talk I always longed for growing up.
May Our Lady and Our Lord Jesus always be close to you, bringing out the best in your brilliant personality, and joyful spirit, and keeping you close in your trials, which must surely come. Within their care, your life will always have meaning, your joy will be sweeter, and your future is eternal happiness.
I love you!