One of the things we did at Emma’s party was to ask guests to write a few words of welcome to our new baby girl. I created two blank templates and had them printed out on card stock at our local printer's. We taped them down to backer boards, added a pen, and voila! Ready for writing. I’ll tape or scan them into her baby book.
I’ve been reading a few of the thoughtful words that have been written by our friends and my dears, I’m getting a little sniffly, even now. This little girl is so lucky to have wonderful, amazing people in her life.
Here is the second sheet (slightly different):
I cheated a bit; nobody else had the luxury of sitting down at the computer to peruse the web and write out a rough draft. But I struggle with eloquent words and wishes when it comes to my children so my initial attempt would have mostly been: I love you, I love you, I love you. The end. I wanted something slightly more creative.
Emma,
May you have the wind in your hair and the sun on your face and know joy, kindness, and love all the days of your life. May you be blessed with empathy, confidence, and bold courage. This is your one, glorious life, my darling. Make it a grand adventure. We love you forever.
xo, Mama
I contemplated using a direct quote, but ultimately went with the mishmash of hopes and wishes. Here were a few that I thought were sweet:
“Cherish your solitude. Take trains by yourself to places you have never been. Sleep out alone under the stars. Learn how to drive a stick shift. Go so far away that you stop being afraid of not coming back. Say no when you don’t want to do something. Say yes if your instincts are strong, even if everyone around you disagrees. Decide whether you want to be liked or admired. Decide if fitting in is more important than finding out what you’re doing here. Believe in kissing.” -Eve Ensler
“Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to slide across the finish line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, and shouting GERONIMO!!!”
Ok, that last one is definitely not appropriate but funny, yes? I’m definitely going for that version of life. In fact, I’m going to make it my personal motto. Mostly because I like shouting GERONIMO!!!
And a few others that I love, especially the Mark Twain one:
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain
Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” - A.A. Milne, Winne the Pooh
We may run, walk, stumble, drive, or fly, but let us never lose sight of the reason for the journey, or miss a chance to see a rainbow on the way. - Gloria Gaither
“I wandered everywhere, through cities and countries wide. And everywhere I went, the world was on my side.” -Roman Payne
Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.
-Emerson
GERONIMO!!
Sonja
Artwork adapted from here. Here are some other beautiful monograms.
