Dear Clara,

Oh Clare-bear, I know I am not your mother.

And I know that you are just my neice.

My sweet little three years old neice.

Still new to this world.  Still silly and innocent.

Still fresh with that new kid smell.

But I have something important to say.

very important. vitally important.

And I hope that you remember it for the rest of your life.

You are a child of God.

The very offspring of Beauty.

You were handmade.

carefully.  distinctly.  tediously.

Your Father is the Creator of joy.

and love.

and funny fun things.

like boogers.  and pooting noises.  and wiggly bunny noses. 

The blood pulsing through your veins comes from the same place as mercy.

Your bones were made side-by-side with generousity.

Your smile was born next to peace.  and sunshine.  and comfort.

Your Father is watching you.

Preparing for you.

Loving you.

And your Aunt is here whenever you need her.

And if she wasn’t scared of being struck down with lightening, she would say that she loves you more.

oh, what the heck.  I love you just as much as He does. 

XO – Katie