F Stands for Fearless

7 years ago today, my water broke unexpectedly, two weeks before my due date. I was terrified. Of my three kids, yours was the only delivery that wasn’t scheduled and we all know how I react when I’m not in control of things. I cried more than I ever have. I was so scared that there were times I couldn’t catch my breath. Daddy ran two red lights trying to get me to the hospital in time. I wasn’t ready… but you were.

Over the last 7 years, you’ve continued to surprise us on a regular basis. It may be something you say, or something you do. There is something about you that people are drawn to. You are an old soul. You connect with people of all ages and you have a way about you that can melt away the bad and the unknown. You make an impression on every single person that you come in contact with.

You are extraordinary.

Last weekend, you told me you wanted to try the trapeze. I wasn’t surprised. I was nervous for you, but you climbed that ladder like you had done it a million times before and even though I saw you hesitate a little, you never backed down. You were determined to fly like a superhero. And fly you did. Over and over and over again, until they told you that it was the next group’s turn.

That night, we rushed to meet you at the talent show. I walked into the room and saw someone standing on the stage with a microphone in their hand, singing as loud as can be. It took me a moment to realize that it was you.

Before I knew it, tears were running down my face. I always knew you were fearless, but I watched you up there, in front of a bunch of strangers, singing that song so proudly and I couldn’t control my emotions. It was at that exact moment that I realized you are everything I wish I could be.

You are confident.
You are brave.
You are outgoing.
You are so friendly.
You love life.
You take chances.
You are fearless… so fearless.

We named you Falynn, an Irish name meaning “leader”. You possess every single characteristic of a leader, but you also have the compassion and genuine desire to help everyone to achieve that same status.

What I wish for you this year, Falynn, is that you never lose that will to fly. That you will continue to spread messages of hope, love and kindness. That you will always be the bright light, guiding the way for anyone that is alone or afraid in the dark. Never take no for an answer, if it’s something your heart wants. And as many times as I beg you to stay little, continue growing into the phenomenal big girl that we’ve watch you transform into. I am incredibly proud of you and I have no doubt that you will continue to astonish me as you get older. Daddy and I love you more than the whole world.

Please join me in wishing Falynn a Happy 7th Birthday!

XOXO