To My Brown Eyed Girl

I thought about going back to all of Tru Stories birthday blogs to her children and pull out pieces to add to this blog. Here is what I know already. It is hard to blog about a child. Someone that you love more than you ever imagined possible. I remember when my beautiful daughter was born and I thought about my Mom. I thought is this how much she loved me? I wanted my first child to be a girl. I wanted to have a wonderful relationship with my daughter. I accomplished this. Tru Stories can make me laugh until I cry. I think I learned more from her than she learned from me. Tru Stories was shy, very shy. Watching her practice her first speech was something to see. She was so nervous her hands would not stop shaking. She learned to hold the side of the podium so that people could not see how scared she was. She would practice her speeches over and over. Now, I see her stand in front of people and give funny, loving speeches and I swell with pride.

She was always unique. She loved hats, still does. She loved to wear sunglasses. She is a talented artist. Obviously, an amazing event planner. She won a Young Author Award. That should not be a surprise to anyone. She was so happy.

She was the sweetest (I'm serious Coach), most loving child. The biggest thing she got in trouble about was her messy room. (That's right Kid.) She was stubborn. She could amuse herself for hours.

I look at all these pictures and see her children. The sassy, little Tink face. I see The Kid in her serious expressions. When I look at Coco, it is like looking at my baby girl all over again. There are times it shocks me. (Really shocks her Dad.)

She is one of the bravest people I know. Her favorite story growing up was, The Elves and The Shoemaker. When life taught her that Elves do not always come and create, happily ever after, she created her own.

I have seen her in a hospital bed and was not sure she would make it home. I have seen her take horrible medical tests, shake it off and go out that night, to prove she could. I have watched her recover from broken dreams then dream bigger and better dreams. I stood next to her with tears running down our faces while we watched and listened to Paul McCartney sing. Will always make my list as one of the best nights of my life. She has given me fashion advice. Hair advice. She has brought me up when I was down. She makes me brave.

She does not let her guard down to everyone she meets. But if she likes you, better yet, loves you; it is a special thing. She likes to do things to surprise people. She is good at having fun, when she wants to have fun. After everything she has been through, she is still an optimist. I love that. She can take a dare. She will ride a wild roller coaster. She will jump off a cliff without thinking twice into a river far below. She can dance. She can also lay for hours on an air mattress. We had some great times doing that.

She is smart. Well read. Knows enough about many subjects to hold her own with most people. She is a great Mother. A wonderful sister. She is more than I could ever have hoped for.

I am proud to call Tru Stories my daughter. I am happy she is also my friend.

My birthday gift to you is I will admit, you had some really terrible clothes when you were growing up. Are you happy? You always were my favorite daughter and always will be. Love you so much!!

May God bless and keep you always

May your wishes all come true

May you always do for others

And let others do for you

May you build a ladder to the stars

And climb on every rung

May you stay forever young

May you grow up to be righteous

May you grow up to be true

May you always know the truth

And see the lights surrounding you

May you always be courageous

Stand upright and be strong

May you stay forever young

May you stay forever young

May your hands always be busy

May your feet always be swift

May you have a strong foundation

When the winds of changes shift

May your heart always be joyful

And may your song always be sung

May you stay forever young

Forever young, forever young