Happy Birthday E!

E just had her 7th birthday. This year has brought so many changes to this little girl and in the process has really emphasized what a sweet and brave little person she is. Moving from Boston was so hard for her. She had dear little friends some of which she had gone to school with for 3 1/2 years between kindergarten and pre-school. She left her best Boston friend, Mia J.. Those two were such "kindred spirits" (Grandma just sent "Anne of Green Gables" from Canada and we just read it). Plus she lived only an hour away from her favorite person, besides us - Grandma.

She quickly made new friends in Colorado, esp. a neighbor that would also be in her class and a sweet girl from church who would become an inseparable buddy.

But along the way, she experienced a bully. Which proved to be frightening at times. Yet, she rarely complained, and even at times would pray for this girl/bully. We learned both how compassionate and brave she was. The bullying, although still not completely eradicated has certainly improved and almost disappeared. Plus she was buoyed up by new friends that stood by her. She has also learned what it feels like to be on the outside of a social circle becuase you are new and in the process realized that although hard, being on the outside is a place everyone will be some times. Due to that she has developed greater empathy for others.

She grew even more confident and excelled in her academics. She learned to swim and ride a bike better. She continued improving in tennis and has really found "her sport". She has found a group of children in the neighborhood that would become extended family. But mostly, she has been a loving and caring sister.

Her true character has emerged in this formative year and she has proven to be such a lovely, strong, and caring girl. There is not a day that goes by where I am not in awe of her genuine goodness.

What a year for you! We are so proud of you.