What I want for my daughters…through pictures

This morning, one of my best friends, my first college roommate, a bridesmaid in our wedding, lost her mom to cancer. Her mom has been her guide, her advocate, her friend, her help and loved her like all children should feel loved by their mom. And early this morning, I laid in my bed and sobbed. Nathan had left early for his office after bringing our son, Hunter to an early morning school event. The girls were still sleeping. The house was silent except for my heaves to catch my breath in between my tears. My eyes burned. My throat was tight. I let the tears just pour down my face in the dark. I thought about a daughter losing a mother, like my friend did today.

Through some recent pictures of our two young daughters, this is what I want for my daughters to know. When I leave this earthly life someday, someday in the far, far future my prayer is they know this from me…We are cheering for you. We pray for your success daily.

Generations of our family love you. Let their example guide you.

Step out in life with confidence in your abilities and live with passion.

Aim high.

Be bold and go where others may not have gone yet.

Stand tall and firm for what you believe in.

Never settle for anyone that does not love you, empower you, encourage you, honor you and treat you with the respect like your daddy does to me. Follow the example you have been taught to treat others the way you want to be treated.

This is your house. It is a house that Daddy and Grandpa Eldon built but it is each of you and your brother that fill it with the joy, laughter and life the makes it our home. We will launch you from it someday to take on your life goals. You can always return.

The road of life is long at times. It has potholes, bumps and turns. Stand firm in your faith and follow. Keep your eyes on the goals ahead of you. God has a plan that you cannot always know or see. Faithfully follow the path He has set for you.

I am your mother. I am your advocate. I am not always right. I fail. I do the best I can. Most important, I love you more than I ever knew I could love anyone on this earth.

When I am gone, know that my life on this earth was complete because of God giving me you, your siblings, your daddy and our entire family.

Throw off all holds you back and chase your dreams and goals in life. Daddy and I are always supporting you…and even watching from the window when you don’t know or someday even from heaven. Thank you dear daughters. Your future is bright. Your choices and options are greater than any woman from any generation of our family before you. Live and love life with passion. Live and love life like there is no tomorrow.