Hey little one-

When I was growing up, this was a common occurrence in our house.

The sound of my dad playing the guitar, singing old songs, is one that will stick with me forever. Sometimes my mom would join in with her sweet sing-song voice. Sometimes your aunt Leah and I would dance around. I have several distinct memories of our family enjoying each other with music, whether it be dancing, singing, or just playing instruments.  When it was time to put our things away, we would put on a Jaci Velasquez CD and the entire family would dance around as we folded our socks.

The other night, your dad and I had a family music night. We sat together at the piano and I played my ukulele and dad played his guitar.  We played songs as varied as this Phillip Phillips song that I am LOVING right now to worship songs to this mid-90s song that brought us both back to late elementary school.

As I reflect on the time that we spent together and the music of my childhood, I can’t help but feel so incredibly thankful. To me, my memories of my parents singing and dancing with us mean that they were present in my life. I can’t remember one instance of watching television with them, but I can remember plenty of times when we danced in the living room or sat and listened to dad play the guitar. They didn’t put me in front of a TV; they didn’t send me to my room to play by myself. They were present parents.

Sweet girl, I pray that we can give you the gift of our presence. I pray that you have memories of falling asleep to your dad playing the guitar while you rest your head on my chest and you hear the beat beat beat of my heart. I pray that we have many evenings of dancing together.

I pray that I get to sing you to sleep and whatever song I choose reminds you for years to come of how much I love you.

I can’t wait to hold you in my arms, sweet girl.

Love, mom