Victoria, Noreen, and Jaclyn Smith - My Girls

Victoria, you were with me from the beginning. I was young, Dad was young, and we had no clue what we were doing. I had never held a newborn until the night you were placed on my chest. You were mature from day one. I can always count on you. I do not know where it all came from, but I know I can trust you with anything. You are growing older, and my place in your life is going to be different. I just wanted to tell you that you are the smartest girl out there. You are beautiful and full of spirit. I put a lot on you while Daddy was deployed and at war. I want to thank you for taking care of me, reminding me to take care of myself, and for helping me take care of your sisters. I can imagine you becoming a nurse, or medical missionary in distant lands. I love you so much.

Noreen, when we had you we still did not know much about parenting but we tried. You came out a fighter and still are today. I hope you do not lose that. I cannot believe how much you do around here without complaining. I have never heard of a child getting up every morning to make her parents coffee. Might I add perfect coffee. You spoil me. You are helpful, kind, caring, and most of all funny. Your smile and laughter win over so many people. Your personality shows before you even say a word. Your attitude about life inspires me, and when you cry, I cry. Your energy radiates and you make us all feel better. I can imagine you making millions of people laugh, or running a top notch business. I love you so much.

Jaclyn, by the time you came to us we had the hang of things. I think that leaves you with the bulk of the rules we had to come up with. You follow the rules perfectly and make sure your sisters follow the rules too. You are my clock, my cop, and my shopping buddy. I cannot be alone at home anymore because I miss you when you are at school. You are so independent, bright, and comforting. Sometimes, I think you can read my mind better than anyone. You have such a talent for making plants grow, everything you touch comes to life. I can imagine you becoming a great mother, or therapist. I love you so much.

You are getting older and soon you will all become teenagers. I fear that our connections to each other will change as our lives change. I just wanted to let you know that I love you and I believe in you. This small article has no way of coming close to how I feel about you. There are no words that can be written to explain how I truly feel. There is no wrong that can be done to change it. I hope that in a couple of years you will see this and know how proud I am of you and how privileged I am to have you three as my daughters.