To My Almost Eleven Year Old

Oh sweet Claire. 10 years ago you were about to turn one and I kissed you on the head and thought about what a gift you were.

Not much has changed except that you don't fit in my pocket anymore.

"Gift" is still the best word to describe you. Claire means "clear, bright, and beautiful," and Alyse means "noble" - and those are all the things I see in you and that you are growing into.

You are clear in your desire for fairness, in your understanding of the world, in your judgments and conclusions. You are the most discerning person I know, and I don't just mean for your age. I can feel an emotional shift within myself and not say one word, and without fail your eyes fly up and you say, "What's wrong, Mom?" You are so strong in your beliefs that I often have to call for a recess in our discussions and come back to them later when I have more energy. 

You are bright in your mind and in your presence. You have a sharp wit, saying things like, "I don't want to do spelling. It's not my calling." You excel in math and vocabulary. You sometimes use huge words out of context and then think twice and say, "I'm not sure that's what I meant." 

You continue to love athletics and are especially loving tennis these days. Your hero is Serena Williams - you did a research paper on the Williams sisters this summer on your own initiative. You still possess more drive than most people I know and whatever your hands find to do, you surely do it with all your might.

You have a bright presence. Our CC Director Mrs. Kylee has told me before that when you walk into a room, you bring a sense of calm and peace into any situation. It's so funny to talk with you now about the stories of your stubbornness as a toddler and young child. You laugh at the stories and I laugh in relief because I see more and more glimpses of that strength of will turning into strength of character that others can sense in you as well.

You are beautiful, there's no question - but I'm so proud of the hidden person of your heart, because that is a beauty that will never fade. I love entering into these years when we can talk about clothes and makeup and the very next minute be deep in discussion about Scripture or politics or relationships. I am helping to lead a Bible study with you and your friends at school and it has been one of the sweetest blessings to see you get excited about digging into God's Word.

You are noble in your character and reputation. I have loved watching you grow in your friendships at school this year. You and your friends have started a baking business. Your friends voted you to be treasurer because you know how to handle money, and you sat for hours working on a spreadsheet to determine cost per ingredient per batch of cookies, percentages for each member of the business plus saving and giving. You want to give a portion of sales to our friends who are heading as missionaries to Nicaragua. No one who knows you is surprised by that at all.

I have told you before and I'll tell you again, you're one of my favorite people on earth. I love watching you grow and become who you are. Thanks for making me a mom eleven years ago.

Happy birthday, my sweet almost eleven year old!!!