Dear Liz (circa 1987)

Dear Liz,

7 years old. What an accomplishment. At this time, your world is spinning around and around. In 7 short years, you have been through one father already, the birth of "Your Sica" and the remarriage of Mom to Daddy Ross. Last year he became just Daddy when he adopted you and Sica. Adoption Day is the most special day to your family. 20 years down the road you will still remember the presents he sent you every year in school on that day. And cry because he picked you when he gave up his right to have biological children of his own.

You skipped first grade because you already knew how to read. But let me tell you something, you still don't know how to add and subtract. That's not going to change much. You should pay attention in class instead of oogling the cute boy in the back row. Brace yourself, because someday a computer will come along and help you do all those grown up things Mommy does with the little checkbook you are NOT ALLOWED TO TOUCH.

You just received the Holy Ghost for the first time recently! And went down in Jesus' name in baptism. You are a whole new creature in Christ. You don't totally know what that means, you just know that when you sing "I love You Lord, and I lift my voice" that you cry every time.

Tragically, sexual abuse has entered your life and the lives of your close family members. You are so confused, and lonely, but Jesus NEVER LEFT YOU. Ever. Not for one second. It's okay to cry.

You have a little trouble making friends right now, but if you were to see what I see, you have the potential to influence so many people with your smile. It's beautiful. Even with that little black tooth in front. Old ladies love you.

Right now you're begging the organ player at church to teach you how to play the organ. She promises you when you are 14 she will teach you. For now you're satisfied to sneak up to the organ at altar call and flip the leslie switch when Sis Kramer nods at you. You don't know that she is teaching you the most important part of playing the organ, and that is being sensitive to the swells of the music. But someday you will get to play the organ on tour with your college choir. Yes! You will go to college! And have lots of friends. Your glasses? Baby, they don't matter. Believe it or not, someday you will prefer your glasses. And spend A LOT of money on them. Yes indeedy.

You're in third grade now. That little book you wrote "The Christmas Kitten?" Never throw it away. Your Mommy helped you with that by typing the lines, but you thought up every word.

Jessica is a little annoying right now, but she is your best friend. You should know that she is going to bypass your sewing talents by 10 MILES, but you have a lot to teach each other. She is going to give you the sweetest nephew ever, and let you give him a bath. (read: TRY to give him a bath) She will help you throw away a recliner, and give you confidence to go on.

There is going to be a long chapter in your life that is not wasted, no matter how painful it is. Just walk through it, okay? Do you know that next year, you will start taking piano lessons? And the same year, there is a man who is weeping over the city that you will live in? He is your Pastor. God started preparing a place of ministry for you for 2007 waaaay back in 1987 where you are now. Every step along the way is another area of opportunity for you to learn how to be the Lady that God wants you to be. He has your future in His hands.

And you will still cry when you sing "I love You Lord, and I lift my voice."

You in 2007? You will rock.


"Dear Me" brought to you by Miscellaneous Adventures of an Aussie Mum