My dearest Blake, 

It was a few weeks back. After a sleepless night and a busier-than-usual morning, I ended up lying down for a short nap. As tired mom life goes, that short nap turned into two hours. Once I woke, I threw my hair up and went in search of you cubs to find out what everyone was up to. I found you working through your studies in your bedroom.

“Hey babe, did you get a nap? I know you mentioned you were tired too”. You looked up from your book and answered with “no, I’m OK”. Upon further questioning, you said you were going to take one yourself, but when you saw that I was lying down you decided to stay awake for the time being so that you could keep little ones from waking me. 

I stood there in disbelief before wrapping you up in my arms. While I say “disbelief” this type of thoughtfulness is completely normal for you, a way of operating, of just being that comes so naturally. But each and every time I still find myself in awe. The other day I was questioning you as to why you were cooking lunch for someone who had taken his bad mood out on everyone in the house that day. You responded with “I would just rather treat him the way I would like to be treated if I was having a bad day”.

Blake, you have an incredibly rare gift. A Christ-like attribute that is beyond your years. It’s a kind and thoughtful heart that allows you to meet people where they’re at. You get it from your father. You both have a way of loving and serving others with such love and selflessness. It’s done quietly, without boasting, and in a way that leaves someone feeling so seen. It’s a righteous example of loving others. And we are all better because of it.

Over the past several years, I have seen you extend grace to others that may not give it as willingly. I have seen you become even more maternal within our household and over these little ones than I ever thought possible. I have seen you grow and mature into an incredible young woman who is constantly thinking beyond herself.

If there is one thing I need you to know at this time in your life, it’s this: don’t be afraid to take up space, Blake. Take it and fill it with your light and your warmth. Those who are willing to really see it and respect it will be blessed immensely and in turn, be better for it. And the truth of the matter is, the world could use that kind of warmth.

There will never be enough words to explain how grateful I am for you and how honored I am to be your mother. Thank you for filling my life and our home with so much goodness. 

With all of me and more…

Mom