Dear Everly,
After seeing a photo of you all dressed up for a special evening, my heart was recently reminded that “little girl Evie” is no more. You’re a young lady now – and only a quick year away from being a teenager. I’ll take each day of that “quick year” as a gift, but for this day, let’s celebrate the end of a pretty wonderful twelfth year! Happy birthday, sweetie!
As Papa and I reminisced about our oldest grandgirl, we both agreed that you’re learning the art of being gracious. I’ve no doubt that you’re learning this from a long line of gracious women in your family, including your mom and JuJu. You get practice through cotillion and interacting with your tight circle of friends. And we can’t forget your relatives! We may or may not give you more practice than you’ve ever wanted!
After every soccer game or special event that Papa and I get to attend, you never fail to run up to us, hug us, and thank us for coming out to support you – even in front of your peers. You’ll never know just how special that is to us.
That kindness you share with Papa and me after the game is nowhere to be found when you’re actually in the game and take to the soccer field. “Angry Everly” is aggressive, smart, and unafraid in your usual position as center-back. You can kick that ball hard, and you send it exactly where it needs to go downfield. Impressive – and so much fun to watch!
If I could choose one word for you, I’d say that word would be “committed.” Your first commitment is to people – that circle of friends, your family, your teammates, and whoever else God brings into your life. But you’re also committed to academics, bettering your soccer skills, and becoming a young lady of integrity.
Other pieces of the Everly puzzle…
Your “sister act.” You and Janie love to scrap, but woe to the person who comes against her! They face a formidable protector in her big sister! Underneath all the sister drama, it’s actually pretty clear that you really do love her!
Your “brave act.” One of the activities at Milly Camp this summer was an optional indoor ropes course. You were all in with your cousin Lucy – until you got up to one of the higher levels and saw just how far above the floor you were. That was your chance to turn back, but you kept on going. You were determined, and you persevered till the end. I don’t think I ever saw you smile, but I was proud of you for going the distance.
Your “zany act.” As I rifled through photos to include with this letter, it was almost impossible to find one where you weren’t making a funny face or striking a ridiculous pose! When the introvert steps aside for the comedian, it’s always worth the wait!
And none of those is really an “act.” You’re authentically Everly – every facet of your personality and character. Although you do still have some “kid” moments (me, too 😊), the tall girl with a new set of braces really isn’t much of a kid anymore, and it’s my honor to be a witness to this beautiful transformation. I’m thankful and proud to see you taking to heart Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Happy, happy birthday, E!
Always loving you with all of my heart,
Milly
