Simply Complicated Facts of Life

Dear Baby Layla,

Dear Baby Layla, Happy 1st birthday! I know you are too young to read this now, but when you open this on your 18th birthday there are a few things I wanted to tell you and I decided what better way to tell you than to write this letter on your 1st birthday when I'm reminiscing about the day you came into this world and delighted us all.

Dear Baby Layla,

Happy 1st birthday! I know you are too young to read this now, but when you open this on your 18th birthday there are a few things I wanted to tell you and I decided what better way to tell you than to write this letter on your 1st birthday when I’m reminiscing about the day you came into this world and delighted us all. So right now, Baby Layla, you are one tiny precious little gift – but when you read this, you’ll no longer be such a little thing!

Baby Layla, you were beautiful from the start. You came out a healthy baby girl but in very odd circumstances that I’m sure your parents will tell you about over the course of your life that by the time you read this, you’ll know what I’m talking about. You were such a gift and instantly loved by all. We had been patiently tracking your course for the 9 months, I even got to live with you for awhile (that might be a much more adult conversation we’ll have after you read this letter – some serious girl talk!) and were patiently awaiting your arrival. Well you came unexpectedly and in a hurry but some times the best things in life you just can’t plan for.

Well one of the best things I didn’t expect, was the gift that you were actually giving me, sweet Layla – other than yourself. You see, I’ve always loved your parents. Your mom and I used to work together in a basement sitting literally 10 feet from each other for 2 years, and developed a great friendship. I was one of her first friends here in Seattle, was there when your dad proposed (not physically there but you get what I mean), was in their wedding, was there when they bought their first house and moved them in, was there when you were born – and everything in between. I always loved your parents, but you taught me one of the greatest lessons that I will keep with me forever dear Layla and that’s in life you eventually find the people you can live with, but you’ll most importantly find the people you really can’t live without. I most definitely can live with your mom (I have!) but I definitely can’t live without her – and it took you my dear, to really make me feel it.

My heart vividly remembers the day you were born, and when I relive it in my thoughts, in my words, I can’t speak of the day without shedding tears because I can still feel it. Your mom is one very special lady and I remember while you were being born, I had the weirdest feeling – the moment I finally saw my phone light up from your dad I was instantly sick to my stomach – I knew something wasn’t right. Your birth may have been a complication, but you never were a complication, my dear – let me say that first. I’ve never felt that way before about anyone, and the thought of losing your mother honestly brought me to my knees and I wept, and I prayed harder than I had in a very long time.

This all may sound very dramatic, emotional, and terrible – but I assure you it is not. It was a very beautiful thing – because I realized just how much I loved your mother so. She is an incredible person, and over the next 18 years by the time you read this letter – I know she is going to prove to all of us leaps and bounds that she is even more incredible than I know her to be today. She is very human, don’t get me wrong – but she is one of the strongest, self-preserved, loving and capable people that I know and will prove to be by the time you read this – and I’m not bragging when I say this, but I know a lot of people – and that’s saying a lot!

I know I’m singing your mother’s praises, but I’m not forgetting your father either. Your dad, from the day you decided to shove your way into the world – has been the most incredible father. I must admit I was a little worried at first, but your dad as far as I’m concerned – could be mistaken for Superman. He has been nothing but the best man since the day I met him, and I know he will continue to do so to you and your mom. So treat him like he’s one of your greatest heroes, because he’s one of mine and he deserves it.

All in all, Baby Layla, this letter was just to tell you thank you – thank you for giving me an incredible gift of the love I have for your mother and realizing it because of you – and to tell you a couple things: first being, I know you’re going to hear this a million times over – but stop torturing your parents. We get it. You’re hip, they’re not, you’re young, they’re old. But all in all, they love you with everything they have, and not many people will provide that unconditional love for you in this world. And I mean truly unconditional.

Second, if you don’t already I promise you will – but love your parents unconditionally as well and realize just how lucky you are to have them. Good parents are something to be cherished, and I know how annoying parents can be with their rules and weird things they do to you blah blah blah blah, but ultimately they do it because they care and in the big picture – you are one lucky little lady.

And lastly, please hug your mother, hug your father, and tell them you love them. You never know when you actually won’t be able to anymore – I know the day I realized just how real that statement was, and won’t ever skip on telling them either for the rest of my life.

So promise me that you will utilize the time you have with them to torture them the least amount as possible, love them unconditionally, realize how lucky you are to have them – and tell them so.

I love you baby Layla – you were a gift for so many reasons. I’ve loved watching you grow so far and can’t wait to see what you’re like when you’re 18 and you read this letter – I will have a present waiting for you!

Hugs,

Liz

(1) Comments Permalink