Dear Abbigail Elizabeth,

Abbi at 5 years old - Crystal Lake, IL

Child, you take my breath away.

I watched you dance on Saturday night, and I wept for the entire first performance. I was so moved by all of the dancers - especially by you. What a way to glorify your Creator! With music and dance, my heart is filled.

Ever since you were small, we knew You were special because YOU really wanted to dance. It wasn't just a crazy mini-van mommy putting her child in every recreation activity possible. You wanted to be there - you didn't twirl your hair around you fingers in complete boredom and talk endlessly to the child beside you. You always listened eagerly and hung on every movement of the teacher and music.

I remember your first performance when you were five years old. You were lovely even then. You danced to the song "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes." Wearing a romantic blue tutu and your hair done up with a tiara, you were absolutely precious. We also changed the words to that song, but we won't talk about that. *wink, wink. Do you remember how we would have you do your "small arch back" over and over again?

Now you are an almost 11 year old; a young woman. You do much more than "small arch backs." You plie' and releve'...you degage' and pirouette....and countless other moves. I am amazed at all the things you know how to do.

Saturday night, you did a pas with a very nice young man. You both practiced over and over again until you got it exactly right. Your drive and determination is admired (now, let's talk about cleaning your room!) My heart stopped for a second when he lifted you onto his shoulder...but I knew that he wouldn't drop you. For two young people, the performance demonstrated astounding strength, ease, beauty, and grace. From knowing you, I knew you danced from your heart, and you danced for your Maker. Others could see it on your face and through the fluidity of your moves. I was left believing every word to that song, "Oh Draw Me Lord, and I'll run after You."

Sweet Abbigail, more than dancing, you are one awesome kid. (as an aside...I always hated that word until I really looked closer at the meaning. It reminds me of the silly t-shirts I wore in the early 80's that read "God is AWESOME." Written in hot pink and green.....geesh. Anyway, the word means "inspiring awe" not the Bill and Ted version of "Totally Awesome!" But inspiring...complete, pure, and overwhelming awe.)

You are always (well, not quite always) kind and caring toward your brother and sisters. Your school teachers tell me each year what a kind and good friend you are to others. They also tell me that you are a leader. You do you your very best in school work...I think your lowest grade this year was a 92%...(oh, my goodness you are grounded for the entire summer!) You are very helpful around the house, and you love to cook. I can set you loose in the kitchen, and I know that we'll have yummy brownies or a fantastic dinner. You love to make things...anything. You create. You knit, crochet, sew, doodle, mold, paint, fold....anything with substance can be made into something else. Sometimes your creations are quite interesting and messy, and many times you make things that are perfectly beautiful. You also sing, and you play the viola and the piano. You picked up the piano all by yourself.

I hope we can keep up with you and nurture everything that your heart desires!

I wanted to take a moment and write this letter to and tell you exactly how much I love you.

Next week, you leave for camp for your first time. You will be away for us for 6 entire days. That's longer than I have ever been away from you. I'm sure I'll cry a few times, and I'm equally sure that you won't. Stay safe and don't do anything crazy...be a good friend as always...and learn more about Jesus and who he created you to be.

You have my heart always and forever.

~Mom