Dear Ellie:

It dawned on me this morning that you and your cousins have become accustomed to greatness. Its all around you and has become the norm for you. Now I don’t say this to say that you have a perfect life or that there is no room for improvement, because there always is. I’m able to say this because I’ve been blessed to work in a field that keeps me grounded and reminds me on a daily basis that nothing is promised, not to take things for granted, and that things could be much different. I’m thankful for every single person that has ever sat in my office and shared their story with me because it reminds me of the power that our story can have. So I’m reminded every day to share my story with you and to tell you the stories of those that came before you because I want you to know my baby that greatness doesn’t just happen. You can’t just expect greatness and poof there it is. Expecting greatness is only one part of the puzzle. Expectations and faith mean nothing with out work. There will be a lot of times in your life especially while you are young that it may seem as though Mommy and Daddy can just make things happen but we work at providing you with love, supplying your needs, and even spoiling you with some of your wants. We learned that from some great examples. Both of your Grandfathers work far to hard and I’m not sure they even know what a shift is without overtime anymore. That hard work though isn’t lost on us because now your Daddy will get up at the crack of dawn or your uncle to work 18 hours out the day on their crafts. They work just as hard as their fathers only in a different way. So I hope that I am able to succeed in showing you that while I have high hopes and great expectations for you because I know you were born to be amazing (after all your name means God’s Promise) I still want you to learn the same work ethic that has carried so many people that came before you. Don’t just be great my baby keep working to be greater.

Love Always,

Mommy

P.S. To the little girl who feels like everything comes so easy to everyone else…never assume what a person had to do to get where they are. In a time where people become instantly famous and seem to just stumble into money its even more important to remember that what is for you is for you. Focus on your blessings and your gifts and work at that. Your successes can not be measured or lessened by those of someone else so place your energy where it is needed.