Today marks your 10th birthday. It is hard for me to explain what this means to me. Both daddy and I desired to have a large family, however, as you know we were unable to. However, God gave us a gift that we have appreciated immensely – God gave us you, our only gem !
The world was a lot different when I was a child. The environment was clean, the air we breath then was clean. Everybody was happy and cheerful. Kids played outside in the streets with little to worry about. You could always find a game of kickball happening in the neighborhood. Children were allowed to be kids. Most children were respectful and if they did something wrong they were certainly held accountable. Nowadays, values have changed. Many children aren’t taught respect. There is violence in our world. The elderly aren’t treated with honor and respect as they should be. Many children don’t know how to engage in a conversation with adults unless it is about a television show or video game.
I met your father in college during our sophmore year; however we feel in love one week before my 21st birthday. When we were dating, we spent many nights telling stories, we used to stroll in the park, watch movies often, we visited many bookstores. We fought a lot and loved a lot. I am married to my best friend. We were married on November 24, 1990.
The first few years of our marriage was quiet. I was working on my Master’s Degree. Daddy and I were both teaching. We received news in 1994 that we were pregnant with our first child. Unfortunately, life sometimes throws us curve balls and we lost our son, Alex, very late in the pregnancy. Immediately after that my father became ill quickly and died six month later. About 8 months later, we received joyous news… that you were on the way !
You were named after my father, Stanley. Your name, Shayna, means “beautiful one” in Yiddish. I clearly remember my grandmother calling me “Shayna Madela” all my life. As soon as you arrived, I knew that Shayna was the perfect name for you.
It has been my pleasure and honor to watch you grow up. It was an honor that was almost taken away from me due to the illness. I am so grateful that I survived and I am watching you grow up into a beautiful young lady.
I clearly remember the first day you learned to walk. You were inbetween the Seyler’s and our house. You were wearing a Gymboree Outfit that I loved ! You had the best determined look on your face ! Once you mastered walking nothing has stopped you !
Through the years I loved watching you at Gymboree classes, swimming lessons, gymnastics classes, art classes, coops … I love teaching you at home and watching your eyes light up as you learned or discovered something new. It is amazing to watch your desire to read anything you can get your hands on. It has been my honor to have the opportunity to homeschool you. What a gift that has been. Thank you for sharing that with me.
You are a talented child and I admire you for your good traits. You are honest, sensitive, compasionate, friendly, grateful and a leader. You are caring to all around you. You have a great smile and laughter that can light up the room.
Treasure this letter which you can show to your children and grandchildren. Always have a grateful heart. You are a person of good being. Learn the lessons of life; savor the memories of life. Love life!
I love you and I am proud to be …
Your Mother
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