Dear Ellie:

By the time you read this you will be well aware that Mommy likes to celebrate her birthday all October long, in fact Mommy loves to celebrate birthdays in general. I think birthdays are awesome your own little personal holiday where you, and whoever wants to join in, celebrate the fact that despite what you’ve been through or going through you’re still here. Birthdays to me are a reason to celebrate and I hope you grow to love them as much as I do. I want you to remember though, as I’m sure Daddy will teach you, you don’t need a holiday or birthday to celebrate a person or celebrate life in general. You can find the smallest or biggest reasons to celebrate in what ever way you see fit. In fact one of the main reasons I’ve come to love October so much besides my birthday is because growing up my Aunt Janet always made a big deal about celebrating I mean Thanksgiving was a production with her there was never enough room on the table for all the food. But one thing your Great Aunt Janet celebrated all year round, and especially in October, was being a breast cancer survivor two times over because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so over the years it became a reason for me to celebrate too. The reason for celebration doesn’t stop there though my baby October is also Domestic Violence Awareness month and I feel I owe it to my Aunt Brenda to celebrate life since hers was taken. You see love bug sometimes the only reason you need to celebrate life is simply having life. Never forget there is a blessing in just being alive. A young couple, the Haley’s, recently shared the story of their unborn son with the world after they found out he would not live long past birth and today when I read that he was born and died shortly after I was so inspired to thank God for you, your health, and every cry you let out because it didn’t have to be a blessing I received. Be thankful my baby for the times you’re reminded and re-inspired over and over again that life is good if for no other reason but because you still have it.

Love You Always,

Mommy

P.S. To the little girl who never gets what she wants for her birthday or any other holiday remember that presents aren’t really what the celebration is about. Its about using being able to be present as your present cause not every one gets that gift. Celebrate life by remembering it and being grateful for it.