Dear Jessica,
There are a million thanks I have for you… and a million truths I hope you would hear. You are beautiful and nurturing and wise. Thank you for going before me into the world, for being a source of advice and comfort…especially during the college years. Thank you for holding judgment and allowing me to repeat mistakes, never uttering a single, “I told you so.” Thank you for loving those that I love and for welcoming them into your life and your home without hesitation.
You make eight years seem like moments, and I’m not fully convinced we aren’t twins at times. You are my best friend, and despite the weeks we sometimes go without speaking, you are always on my heart. So please hear these words, read them whenever I’m not able to speak them to you::
You serve a God that created in you all of the beauty and creativeness your body could possibly hold. You were bought on a Cross by a Saviour that died to show you just how much He loves you…so much more than you deserve. There will be no earthly love like these loves, store up in your heart the promise that you are loved more than you ever could imagine.
You are a wonderful mom! You brought life into this world…you’re a champ! Seriously… think about it. Any moment that you’re feeling weak, defeated, or sub-par… look at yourself in the mirror and remind yourself just how capable you are. Physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Don’t ever belittle your efforts; you’re going to mess up…give grace to yourself. Just grace for the moment. Not excuses and don’t pass the blame…just grace, and new mercies every morning.
It’s like Kid President says, sometimes the road less traveled is going to hurt! But you are better for it. You are stronger, and come from a family of determination and dignity. Don’t be afraid of the unknown, you’ve got Cashin blood in your veins… it means you’ve got mom’s grace and dad’s strong silent demeanor.
You can do anything, but not everything…and you don’t ever have to do things alone.
I love you so very much.
Dear Val,
First of all, I’m sorry that I’ll be missing your 21st… What do you say to a Cashin Girls’ Europe trip in 2015 as a make up?
How is it possible that you’ve taught me more in the past three years than I’ve been able to teach you in twenty? and how is it that you’re twenty!?!
I am so incredibly proud of you and your heart. You are wise beyond your years and it has been a beautiful blessing to watch you become the woman that you are today. You constantly challenge me to seek authenticity, for that I am grateful. You are an inspiration.
While I’m away::
Enjoy every moment of college. Few things make me happier than knowing that we will forever share a love of The Plains. It’s full of tradition… honor them. Stay off The Seal, kiss someone at the lathe, memorize the creed, call FOY with a ridiculous questions…and always carry yourself like the War Eagle Woman you are.
Don’t limit God. His love for you is greater than any earthly love you could know. His plans for you are far better than any five-year plan you could create yourself… don’t just accept this…embrace it! It will save you so many tears and nights of confusion when your plan doesn’t work out ((because, trust me… it won’t)).
Invest in relationships with people that love you. You have an amazing group of women around you that you call sisters. This hurt me so bad, before I realized how fantastic it is for you! You get the gift of sisters by blood and sisters by greek… we all love you so much and so differently. While I’m away, I’m trusting them to love you twice as much, to laugh with you more than necessary, and to take you to sky bar in a cardigan. They will be such a huge part of your life, both at Auburn and afterwards… practice forgiveness quickly, mercy overflowing, and grace always. They have so much to teach you and even more to learn from you.
Val Gal-at your best and worst, singing in a car or screaming at each other in a bathroom, trying on shoes laughing or trying on jeans and crying I love you so very much. You are my sister… you are part of me!
I love you.
p.s In case I’ve ever forgotten to say it…Thanks for all the great clothes and music!
