Even before she was born she has had my whole heart. I remember so clearly looking into her bright blue eyes for the first time. I couldn't believe I, of all people was able to be her mother. I felt like I was the luckiest person alive. I couldn't get enough of her. I loved every sound she made, every expression on her face, and couldn't stand to hear her cry. I worried obsessively about her when I wasn't with her, and rarely wanted to leave her. I fully admit I was a neurotic mom, and I probably still am.

I get teary eyed just thinking about her. When she's unhappy, I am ten times more unhappy. When she hurts I hurt, and when she's happy I am the happiest person on earth. Today I saw her speak in church. The feelings I had watching her up there can not be described. It wasn't the words she was saying, although they were perfect. It was the thought that my baby girl is all grown up now. She's accomplished so much! In almost everything she has chosen the paths I have wished for her. She took the hardest classes, studied countless hours, got well over a 4.0, volunteered her time to help others, has a job, chose amazing friends, helped at home, and has been my joy for eighteen years and counting.

These are some of her senior pictures. I can't possibly choose my favorite because I love seeing her in any image. I hope she always knows how much I love her, and how much I want for her life. Being a mom really is what Elizabeth Stone says, "It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."

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