The Big T-H-R-E-E

This past Sunday, our sweet little Cambri turned 3. Where has the time gone? As I thought about her birthday I realized that she is growing so quickly and will be graduating from high school sooner than we would like. I know, I know, I may be getting ahead of myself but hear me out. Just TWO years ago when we celebrated her 1st birthday she was only 1/18 of the way to graduation and now that she turned 3 she is 1/6 of the way there. Why does it feel like our time with her is slipping away? My math is correct, isn't it? I know that she has a lot of life ahead of her and many great things she needs to accomplish but can't she stay young and small for just a bit longer?
Well, Cambri, as sad as it is for me to say, another year has come and gone and with each year that passes we find ourselves loving you more and more. We do have our challenges at times but you have taught me so much about loving life and loving people. You are the happiest and friendliest little 3 year old that I know and I am privileged to be your mom. Sometimes your friendly hellos and chats with strangers make us a bit uneasy but as I think more about it, you are their ray of sun on a gloomy day....and I am ok with that :) You approach any and every child at the park and quickly become friends. You say hello and wave to each person we pass on our walks. And lastly, you are so sweet and kind to the elderly and disabled. Regardless of how different they may be from you and I, you see them as Heavenly Father sees them, as Children of God. You do not make judgments or say unkind things and for this you are a constant reminder to me of how I need to treat others.
Just the other day, we were walking home from the park when an elderly woman was walking towards us. You quickly ran up to her and began talking. I saw her countenance light up immediately as you acknowledged her. You chatted and entertained her for about 5 minutes until we continued on our walk. Upon leaving she told me, "Thank you for letting me visit with you and your children!" In that one incidence I learned a great deal about you and an awful lot about me.
Cambri, thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives as well as the lives of those you see in passing. For those older people, their children are grown, many are widowed, and they are just waiting until it is there time to go. Your little hellos, as simple as they may be, brighten up their day, and may even give them a reason to continue living.
We love you Princess Cambri! Hope you had a wonderful 3rd Birthday!