Maya....

After a particularly long day (for me), full of not listening and repeated requests (by you), I couldn't wait for it to be bedtime and to have a little quiet time. But as I lay with you waiting for you to fall asleep I was held in awe of your beautiful face, as it grew more and more relaxed when sleep crept upon you. I found myself regretting my lack of patience and impatience with your actions and called upon powers greater than me to give me better strength, more understanding, and a deeper ocean of patience. I found myself thinking of how quickly you are growing and how I want to protect you from everything and everyone that might ever hurt you or not understand you completely. I wish for you to always be surrounded by people who love and respect you and know that you deserve it and are worth it. I wish for you to march to your own beat and to be proud to do so. I wish for you to keep your tender heart and sweet feelings because they will serve you well throughout your life.

You are the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me and I am honored to be a guiding force in your life right now. I know that our relationship will change as you grow up and life moves, but I hope that we will always have a strong bond that shines through, even if it gets buried under all sorts of life stuff. I love you.