This note will most likely serve as the last post to the Parenthoodlum Blog. I started the blog so that I could chronicle the story of how you came to be our daughter since, obviously, Daddy and Papa couldn't have produced you biologically given current technology. That said, I don't think we would have even if we could have. You are perfect in every way.
Someday, you'll have questions about where you came from. We promise never to lie to you. We promise that you'll always be able to depend on Daddy and Papa for everything; that includes the truth about life, love and everything in between. You are worthy!
By now, you know that some babies are born to their parents and some are adopted to their parents. You know that parents come in all shapes and sizes. Some families have a Daddy and a Papa, some have a Daddy and a Mommy, some have two mommies, or one mommy or one daddy. Some babies just have a Grammy and a Grumpy. What I hope you know, is that every baby, every little girl and little boy, deserves to be loved as much as you are. That's what matters. You matter.
As you read over the story of how Daddy and Papa became your parents, you may laugh, you may cry. We won't know until then, but it is probably important for you to know and understand the story of you. Daddy and Papa's transition to parenthood is part of that story. You deserve to know. You are deserving.
You may wonder if the people who gave birth to you wanted you. What's important, is that they knew they couldn't be parents and we shouldn't begrudge them for that. Nearly anyone can have a baby, but not everyone can be a parent. And being great parents; that takes special people with a lot of love. Although the story of your adoption is over, the story of your life is just beginning. As it goes on, Papa and I promise that we will always aspire to be the best parents we can be.
We decided to name you Elizabeth "Elle" Diane Bounds. We call you Elle.
Basically, 'Elle' means - herself. A lot of parents choose names with fancy meanings like, "honor", "grace", "warrior", "bird" and so on. We didn't think it was fair for us to tell you who you are, or try to make you into someone you're not. We believe our job as parents is to help you be the best version of yourself, whoever or whatever that may be. As I write this, we don't know what you will become. Your story is at one of the most exciting stages ever - unlimited potential! Here's a secret though that I hope you never forget: every stage, ever hour, every moment of your life that hasn't happened yet is full of the same potential. You get to decide who you will be in the next moment for the rest of your life - you get to write your own story.
As a part of our family, we do agree on what is important in life. We call the important stuff our values.
Bounds Family Values
Love - I live my life in and from love.
Integrity - I am free to be my authentic self.
Unity - My sense of self includes those I love.
Growth - I aspire to be the best version of myself.
Happiness - I create happiness.
Gratitude - I am thankful for everything.
Love is important. In fact, love is everything. Love is to your emotions and experiences as white is to colors of light. Love contains all of it. Someday you will understand this.
Integrity allows us to be fearless. When we are standing in the truth of who we are, we can bravely decide who we want to be.
Unity allows us to understand others as ourselves, and that's what creates a real connection between people. It's ok to be selfish when the people you love are part of your self.
Growth is about wanting to be your best. It's about understanding that you can imagine anything for your future, and when you've realized that future, you can imagine even better. It teaches us that we can look back on our mistakes and be propelled by them rather than hindered.
Happiness isn't always present in the situations you'll encounter in life. At times, you have to make your own out of thin air. It teaches us that being happy is a matter of choice, and for that matter, so is being sad. More importantly, it teaches us a powerful secret - "that which you want most, give away". You don't have to take my word for it, but at some point in your life you will be unhappy. I hope you will discover the truth in this value; that few things in life will make you as truly happy as making someone else happy.
Gratitude is one of the tougher values. Sometimes it is really hard to be thankful for everything - even though we always have so much to be thankful for. Gratitude reminds us that only goodness and abundance can enter our lives to stay, and that whatever we're going through, no matter how hard, is just part of the process of goodness and abundance arriving. It teaches us that we should never discount the future because of the past or present.
I hope you are guided by these values in being you. I know you will grow and change every day and that I will never keep up with you. I also promise I will never hold you back. The most important thing that you should know is that you are a child of love. Daddy and Papa love each other very much. Our love grew so big that it needed to spill over into the most beautiful girl we have ever seen. We love you so much more than you will ever understand unless or until you become a parent too. I hope you will never settle for less.
Someday, hopefully far away, you will go on in a world where Daddy and Papa exist only in your heart. Just as you will always be a part of us, we will always be a part of you. Because of you, we will live forever, in your heart, and in the hearts you touch in your lifetime. Your story, whatever you write it to be, will be a beautiful masterpiece. My gorgeous, little girl, nothing could ever be more sublimely exquisite than you - in your eyes, I see God.I love you,
Daddy
No comments:
Post a Comment