There's so much to write. I have notes and quotes and pictures from months ago - years ago! - that should be included.
But lets start with first things first.
Like how you're in love.
You came home from school yesterday as happy as an eight year old could be. Your mood was upbeat and pleasant. You played happily and helped with everything I needed. We had a sweet pre-baptism FHE and discussed some important things. You seemed attentive and thoughtful. Sometime during the lesson, you said, "Mom, after the last song, can we write some letters to people?" I agreed readily, assuming you meant our missionary cousins, or your grandpa, or maybe the good friend who so generously sized down one of Dad's ties for you to wear at your baptism this weekend. And you did write a nice thank you note for the tie. But then you went back to the box of cards. "Hmmm," you said to yourself, pouring over all the colored cards in the box. "What's a good girl color?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"Maybe pink or purple?" I offered.
You finally chose purple and orange and set them out on the table.
"To whom are we writing?" I asked.
You mentioned a female friend in your class. You told me that she'd been playing with you at recess lately and you proceeded to write her name in your most deliberate cursive.
You knew just what you wanted to say. Your writing flowed quickly and you only paused occasionally to ask me how to spell something.
"Hmmm," I said when you finished. "You better slide that over here for a minute."
You complied, but when I started to take a picture of the card, you asked what I was doing.
I responded with gentle teasing, "Well, if you marry Lucy Mae someday, I probably ought to have this documented!"
Instead of cringing over the mention of marriage, you responded eagerly, "Hey! That's just what I've been thinking about at school!"
I choked in my laughter by adding, "I think you better read this to your sister."
You read the note out loud for Lucy without any hesitation.
"Who is this for?" Lucy asked, looking at me with raised eyebrows.
"Just a friend of Spencer's at school," I said, with a wink to her and a pat of your head. "Just a friend. Sometimes you feel like writing a letter to your friend."
You nodded.
"It's a good note," I told you casually, but sincerely.
"It's a good note," Lucy agreed from the living room, a touch of admiration in her voice. She proceeded to quote delightedly under her breath, "I like how you follow me everywhere...or is it the other way around?"
She and I exchanged a look across the room, but you didn't notice. You were busy taping the "Free Slurpee" coupon you recently received from your teacher to your card for Lucy Mae.
