Oh what fun you and I had creating this picture. I have told you the stories many times, but I want you to always remember...
The time that you danced in that blue costume... that's the first dance recital you ever had. You didn't move once... even your toe. You just stood and looked out at the audience, and I never dreamed that you would ever grow to love dancing. I had tears in my eyes that day... and I still tear up every time you dance! Hanging on that line are also your first little ballet and tap shoes. And of course...the bow you wore to that day.
The time you wore that white dress..... that's the dress you wore in your portrait. It wasn't what I really wanted your portrait in... I picked out blue with a big collar, but those pictures didn't show your personality. From the beginning you have done exactly what I thought you wouldn't.... but it's been a beautiful thing!
The time you wore that little white smocked dress... that's the day you came home from the hospital... six weeks early... it was much too big... but you were a perfect angel who loved to sleep and eat. I couldn't have asked for a better baby.
The time you wore that Woodruff basketball jersey... that's the game jersey from your junior year. I couldn't have picked a better group of girls for you to be a part of their team... girls who accepted you... were sweet to you... and pulled for you to make just one shot!
That crocheted blanket... that's what you had to have to run your fingers through to go to sleep... no matter where we were, I could give you a crocheted blanket... a pipi... and some juice... and you would sleep... even when it was too hot for a blanket...
The time you wore that Lady Devil uniform was when you put on a pair of shoes that I never dreamed you would wear. You never gave up trying... you loved to try new things and I am so happy for that.
That navy smocked dress with the nativity scene on it... that was the LAST time you wore a smocked dress with a bow... it was your birthday... I made you wear it... and you said, "I am never wearing smocked again!"... and you didn't... I would love for you to wear a smocked wedding gown one day... let's start a new trend!
That green and white costume... when you wore that I knew that you would love dance... you made me cry that day too!
When you wore the banners for pageants... I cried then too... I knew you were beautiful... I knew you did well those nights... I smile when I watch you on stage at a pageant... you give it your all and even on those nights when the three judges don't think you are the prettiest... your mama always does!
The sweatshirt that says, "I'm a big sister" was pretty special too. The bond that your brother and you have has grown so much this year. I'm not quite sure how he and I will make it without you here... who is going to wait on us hand and foot?
That LCMS cheer uniform has many memories for me.... It's when I realized that you knew way more about football than cheerleading... you could call cheers... know what was going on in the game... and even knew positions... when I see that uniform I think of you becoming a teenager... shining in middle school with awards and honors... and most of all... when you learned to make bad situations into really good things! Learning life's lessons early on was something I never intended, but I'm so glad we giggle and laugh about those silly things now.
That little pink bathing suit... the Easter bunny brought you that... it was your first bathing suit. Of course it was pink... I only let you wear pastels... and plain Jane clothes... It has rubbed off on you as a teenager... you are still wearing plain Jane clothes... but I love it!
Your first monogramed Clemson University uniform.... I don't think you have an ounce of desire to cheer at Clemson, but I know you will cheer FOR Clemson. I just want to reassure you that Daddy and I will quickly change our love to Gamecocks if we need to... if you change your mind...
That orange and white gingham dress... that's the first (and last) dress I smocked for you! You and Ben had matching outfits... thank God for Heather to guide me through making them!
This Friday night you will once again put on the Wolverine cheerleading outfit... I love watching you cheer here. I'm glad you decided to continue this... I think that the friendships and fun you are having will be memories to cherish forever.
And last but not least... that blue and white gingham dress with smocked watermelons is what you wore your FIRST first day of school.... the memories of that day with Papa taking you to school bring tears of sadness and joy. You start your senior year next week and just know that there are two men who have passed on that loved you so VERY much. Don't ever forget the love that those granddaddies had for you!
So... I'm going to put all these things back in the attic... and save them... for you to use one day with your children... to show them what a special "little" girl you were... so special... with a big, big heart.... I love you Sis... with all my heart... and while these are all that would fit on the clothes line... I have lots more stories that are just as special waiting in boxes in the attic! I also hope you will always find my lap when you need a little comfort!
And here they are... your senior pictures... this time next year you will be leaving for college... I wanted you to be captured as a high school girl... one who is trying to live every moment at its best.... I bathe you in prayer and hope that your happiness will be found in looking to the sun and most of all, the SON... don't worry about those shadows... be just like a sunflower and look to the sun!
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