From Bitterness to Gratefulness!

I've always heard how very different each child is, but never 'really' understood it until we had our little boy.  Oh, how I love this little boy.  He's extremely silly (trying at times), loves an audience (even when it's not appropriate) and is just down right funny!

Although, I absolutely love this little man and everything about his sweet personality, this post is a thank you on behalf of a little girls' Mama.

Just like with any child, some days can be hard and sometimes there are people who may unintentionally hurt our kids or us as parents, but if I've learned anything over the last couple of weeks, it's that life is short and forgiveness is crucial!  I just recently spent some time reflecting on all the different ways others' have blessed us through loving on our kids.  Miss Kylee is what most people would call 'shy.'  I prefer to refer to her personality as reserved and genuine.  Believe me, I know how frustrating it can be to speak to a reserved child and not get a response.  It's also been a challenge for us to teach her that it is okay to be reserved, but not okay to be impolite.  With that in mind though, I absolutely love seeing relationships form with Miss Kylee as she gets comfortable with someone and develops a very 'genuine' relationship.  I'm also so blessed to see the joy in other's when, after they've tried for so long, this little girl finally opens up to them or simply gives them a hug.

Here's a side of Miss Kylee that not everyone gets to see.  She has such a fun loving heart (thanks to the dear friend who made Kylee this hat to support a friend with breast cancer).

Another special side of Kylee is her love of music.  We pray that she continues to use this gift for God's glory and we greatly appreciate all who have encouraged her on this journey!

I love this little girl with all my heart and have a little thank you to some very special people...

• Thank you to our dear friend who has watched this sweet girl from the time she was just six weeks old.  You have helped shape and love on her like one of your own. 
• Thank you to the elderly man at church, who goes out of his way to say hi to her each and every Sunday, even when she just smiles back.
• Thank you to the sweet man at church who wouldn't let Kylee leave church until she gave him a hug after he's worked so hard to develop a friendship with her.
• Thank you to the sweet friends who brought Kylee flowers for her first piano performance at church, which was such a big day for her.  You touched this girls heart more than you could imagine.
• Thank you to the dear friend who spends time out of her week to teach Miss Kylee how to play the piano (and to the special guy who picks her up after school each week to take her).  She truly lights up every time she plays and absolutely loves this special time with you!
• Thank you to all of the teachers and staff at her school and church, who love on her.
• Thank you to our sweet photographer who ever so kindly and gently is able to capture the beauty and personality of Kylee.
• Thank you to the dear friend who went out of her way to give this sweet girl a piggy back ride through a derby track just to show this girl how much you love her.  She just recently requested that photo be hung in her bedroom and thinks so much of you!
• Thank you to this girls sweet aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents who love her for the special girl she is!
• Thank you God for loaning this special girl to us!  We pray that You continue to give us the wisdom and encouragement daily to help her grow to love and trust You!

This list could go on and on and on to all the countless people who have showed their love to this sweet girl with countless acts of kindness.  Each and every one of you has not only made a lasting impression with this girl, but you've touched her Mama too!  May God bless each and every one of you.  May God continue to teach me to love my children just as they are and just as He designed them!  It is inevitable that at some point someone will hurt our children (typically unintentionally), when (not if) that happens I challenge you to quickly forgive and reflect on the many people and times that someone has loved on your child.  It will quickly change your heart from bitterness to gratefulness!

Blessings,

Kylee's Mama