My Girl (Part 2)

 "She ain't got my smile, that don't bother me a bit. She's got somebody else's eyes I'm seeing myself in holding on to every moment, God knows I've missed a few. The day we met I knew I had some catching up to do. She's my baby my whole world. She ain't my blood but she's my, she's my girl." -Elvie Shane

November 30, 2012-November 30, 2022

The day we were supposed to meet, you fell asleep. Now, it all makes sense. You knew that you and your sister deserved separate "days" with me. The image of the first time I saw you that night will never leave my brain. Or my heart. We were at a store in the mall, and I was at one end of the aisle and you were at the other end of the aisle. You were holding your Dad's hand, standing very close to him, with a huge smile on your face and the cutest curls in your hair. You had a red bow in your hair and you were so excited to see Santa that you couldn't hardly stand still. We met, and instantly we both bonded. A bond that will never be broken. You had a hard time saying my name. So, I became Bentasha for a time. A name I'll always cherish. I had a Charlie Brown Christmas shirt on and you loved it because it had Snoopy on it. You've always had a love for dogs. You and I walked through the mall that night and held hands. We took pictures in a picture booth. We met Santa. That night I knew that my life was about to change. 

Early on in our relationship, I knew that you loved me. Not only did you tell me 5,000 times a day, but you also drew me so many pictures with my name on it. You were always asking someone how to spell my name. I'm so thankful for your love for me. Then and now. There are so many things I missed before I met you, but there are so many memories we've made that I think about often. Things I'm so happy I was able to be a part of. Seeing you meet Cinderella was the most excited I've ever seen you. Seeing you meet Noah Schnapp was pretty awesome too. However, for me, the best memory I have with you is meeting David Harbour. It was just the two of us. So excited. SO MAD (me). But so excited all at the same time.Taking you to your first concert, Taylor Swift, on the hottest day of the year. Going to Atlanta and standing in the heat outside of the filming for Stranger Things. Going to see the Braves play and being miserable together. Folding clothes with you on the bed, just to hear you say to me; "EEEEWWWW. That's Daddy's panties and you're touchin' em." Hearing you sing songs with words you shouldn't say just yet. Our wedding. Our vacations. Our "week before Christmas" outings. These things and so much more, are things that bring my heart so much joy. 

My love for you? It's so hard to put into words. It's something that is so deep, that even I can't find the words for. You came into my life just when I needed you. God knew I needed a daughter to take care of. One who would look up to me in ways I never imagined. One that I would love so much more than I ever thought I could. One who needed me just as much as I needed her. There is a song that my heart has dedicated to you. It's called "Forever On Your Side" by Needtobreathe. The words to this song come straight from my heart to yours. It basically says that we can't control what all is going to happen in our lives, but that as long as we have each other, that's all that matters. As long as we have each other's love, everything will be okay. No matter what. That kind of love, the love I have for you, and the love you have for me, it knows no end. It always keeps going. When you are all grown up, and life is even more hard than it is right now, don't let life keep you down. And if it knocks you down, know that I'm always with you. I'm always here for you. I'm forever on your side. No matter what. You never have to face anything you go through by yourself, because I am right here. Always. Forever. As you read the lyrics to the song, remember how much I love you. 

Forever On Your Side by Needtobreathe

I won't pretend that we can control the night. Or what kind of road we're on, or where we will see the light. But right now I'm talking to you, I'm looking into your eyes. Right now I'm trying to show you that we're gonna be alright. Oh, I don't know what's around the bend. All I know, is that my love, it knows no end. All these pieces, they fall in line, because I'm forever on your side. Take my hand when you can't see the light, 'cause I'm forever on your side. I will carry you every time, 'cause I'm forever on your side. They'll beat you up, but don't let them keep you down. 'Cause you're always tough enough, and I'll always be around. Oh, I don't know, what's around the bend. All I know is that my love, it knows no end. Oh, I can't promise that a day will never come, where the ground beneath us falls out and we got nowhere to run. Oh, but you won't be alone when the waters start to rise up. No, you won't be alone my darling when the rain comes. Oh, I don't know what's around the bend. All I know, is that my love, it knows no end. All these pieces fall in line because I'm forever on your side.

On this day, and every other day of your life, I want you to know how much you are loved. The past 10 years with you has shown me a love like no other. Thank you for loving me like I'm your other Mom. It means so much to me that you do. To me, there is no "step" or "bonus", you are just my daughter. I pray you feel the love I have for you in everything you do. Whenever you are scared, think of me. I'm there. Whenever you feel anxious, think of me. I'm there. Whenever you feel alone, think of me. I'm there. I'm always there. I'm forever on your side. Don't ever feel like you are by yourself in life. Don't ever feel like you have no where to go. Don't ever feel like you have no one to turn to. I promise you, no matter what, I will love you. You mean more to me than you will ever understand. You light up my life every single day. This day will always be special to me. The day we met. The day I fell in love with my youngest daughter. Here's to the next thousand years. I love you Haylie Rae! 

"If ever there is a tomorrow when we are not together, there is something you must remember: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we are apart... I'll always be with you." -Winnie the Pooh