Dear Elsie,

November 14th 2009 started off like any other day, it was a Saturday and I was sleeping until well after 11 AM. I don’t remember what I ate for breakfast or even lunch, I remember going for a long walk with my cousin and just waiting for Uncle Tom to text me and tell me you’d arrived.

I don’t remember much of the trivial things which occurred that day, I know Uncle Tom had steak with your Pop that night and I know my Mommy (Mrs. H) made macaroni and meat sauce which I ate so fast I felt like I had a rock in my stomach afterwards. I do remember your Dad responding “beggars can’t be choosers” when I asked for updates on your big entrance into this world. These are snapshots of an ordinary day that would become extraordinary.

What I do remember is the first time I saw you, held you in my arms and watched you fall asleep on Uncle Tom’s chest. I remember from that moment on you had us wrapped around your little chubby fingers. I remember you taking your first steps, and before I knew it you were taking Uncle Tom’s wallet and running around the whole downstairs with it. I remember you saying your first words before talking in sentences about how much you LOVED trains. I remember you picking up your first crayon, how your scribbles made way to some truly creative and imaginative pictures you drew of everyone and everything.

I remember Uncle Tom and I taking you for dinner and ice cream, to parks and dance classes. I remember watching you dance in your very first recital and feeling so proud of you.

When did our adorable little baby niece become such a beautiful, smart and creative young lady? I’m not quite sure why time moves so quickly but I do know our lives have been changed for good because you are a part of it. You are a wonderful sister, niece, friend, and student. You brighten the lives of everybody who knows you. Your sense of humor and laughter is infectious, (except for Aunt Britt and Uncle Tom’s friend you call old man Jenkins).

Your selflessness and always helping a friend in need always makes our hearts swell with pride. I hope in life: our beautiful, brilliant niece that you never settle for anything less than you deserve. I hope you always stay humble and kind. Mostly, I hope you know just how much we all love, support and will stand by you no matter what life throws at you. I hope you know you’re never ever alone.

November 14, 2009 started off like any ordinary day but it ended in an extraordinary way because it gave us YOU. In the nine years since you arrived Elsie Marie, you taught Uncle Tom and I how to be a great Aunt and Uncle. You inspired us to be the best versions of ourselves in order to set a good example for you to follow. All the while, you have brought so much love, happiness, and laughter to our lives.

We hope you know how much we love you with all our hearts, our precious little Diva. May God bless you, keep you safe and may all your dreams come true now and for always.

Love you. Mean it. Always.

Aunt Britt and Uncle Tom

Xoxo