A Letter to Emma

Every year when our YW goes to camp, they take a hike and write letters to themselves that they open the next year.  Since the first years don't have a letter from last year, their moms write a letter to them.  Here is mine to my oldest daughter.

Dear Emma,

I am so excited for you to be at camp!  I loved camp as a youth and it was an amazing place that helped me grow.  There are so many things that I want to say to you that I almost don't know where to start.

I'm so proud of you!  No just because you are smart or all of the awards that you've won.  I'm proud of you for you.  You are kind, thoughtful and a good friend.  You are motherly to your younger siblings which shows me what a good mother you'll be.

You're fun!  You have a great sense of humor, contagious laugh and you're just plain fun to be around. But of everything that you are and do, I am most amazed by your spirituality.  I love that you love the Lord.  I love that you keep His commandments.  I am in awe of your scriptural understanding.  You know things about the scriptures that I didn't know until I was an adult.  That is a spiritual gift that you should continue to cultivate.

I love you.  I have always loved you and I will always love you.  I am far from perfect as a mother, but I pray that the Atonement of Jesus Christ can make up for my lack.  You are so dear to me.  You are my joy and my helper.  You are a ray of sunshine wherever you go.  Don't ever be afraid to let your light shine.

I love you with all my heart!

Love,
Mom