Dearest Lola,

It's hard to believe that another year has passed and today you are six.  Every single day with you promises to be extraordinary.

You spent your last Tuesday as a five-year-old locked inside a park's bathroom for fifteen minutes.  As a natural problem solver you screamed for me to dial 9-1-1 and in the meantime body slammed yourself against the metal door hoping to break it down.  I could not help but smile when hearing your brave cries and determination on the other side of the door.  You are always one step ahead of everyone else, figuring out ways to be heard.  And when nature strikes you down, as it did when you were trampled by a horse, you face it head on conquering all.  Incredibly stubborn and extremely confident you are nothing short of extraordinary.

Although your name means "strong" I've bestowed upon you a tagline that is equally as fitting.  "True testament of my faith."  No other child/person keeps me on my toes with ongoing mental challenges as much as you.  I have a hard time keeping you busy because when you are busy you are the happiest.  It is how you taught yourself how to read/write this year.  You've never fit the mold of any personalities featured in parenting books and as an infant you silently persuaded me to burn the books, trust my heart and appreciate the extraordinary.

You come in one volume and complain that I whisper.  My heart aches each time people tisk-tisk when you yell too loudly, "What?"  And my heart cries when I address you and get no response.  But if this is the worst thing God throws your way than so be it my beautiful girl.  Even when repeating myself all day long you force me to pay attention to the words I choose and for that you are extraordinary.

My dreams for you, dearest Lola, is that you embrace your spirit and listen to your heart like you have taught me so well to do.  I am forever yours, my daughter extraordinaire.

All the love in the world,

Mama