Happy Birthday, my sweet girl. We begin another year of shoulds and hearts full of unrealized wishes. Our thoughts rest on you so often each day, but especially today. I’m really feeling your absence these past few weeks, and missing you hurts more right now than it has in a while. Watching your baby brother grow into the sweet, hilarious, wonderful little boy that he is has shown us firsthand what kinds of things we’ve missed with you. I appreciate Everett even more because of it, but can’t help but be sad when I see all the amazing things we might have seen you do too. Our family won’t ever be completely whole without you here, but we make up for it with love and determination. Although it’s now been a few years, and a lot of people might wonder how we can still be so sad sometimes, your light shines through so many others and in all of the beautiful things surrounding us. You continue to be one of my reasons for doing my best to be a better person daily. You know all the rest.

I love you infinitely, my little daughter, and I wish you were here to celebrate the beautiful day you were born with cake, gifts, and three-year-old giggles. I imagine what it’d be like, and it makes me smile with tears in my eyes. You are loved, you will always be loved. No matter where you are, my heart will find you. Happy birthday, Lucy Rose… we love you so much.

Love Always,

Mama