Dear Cate.

Dear Cate,

Today you turn 5.  Today I want you to know how special you are.

Today I need for you to know how talented, creative, beautiful both inside and out you are. I want you to know that I love how you love me. I love it when you pray for "Gigi's shoulder" in preschool without anyone asking you to pray for me.  You are a compassionate soul.  One who takes the world and runs with it.  I love how you just know that you can do things.  That you aren't stopped by fear and you take the bad and turn it in to the good. You rode your bike even though one pedal fell off.  You rode your scooter after the brake broke and never complained once. You jumped up and played outside with the toughest of kids after you put a knot the size of Mt. Everest on your head. You sit quietly for hours and color or build or work a puzzle.  You aren't afraid to speak up when you need to for those to hear you. You take up for your friends or for those less fortunate than you. Do you know how these things that you don't even realize you do will shape your life? You will be tough as nails. You will shine like a diamond in a moment of despair.  You will always find the good in life's situations.  And best of all, you will be there for those who need you.

You are one of the most precious people in my life.

                                                          

                                   I love you !

Gigi