Dear Caitlin,

Today is your 10th birthday. Hooray! You are in double digits. We are so very proud of you, and glad that you are happy and enjoying life.

We weren’t sure you would ever be with us this long. The doctors weren’t sure, either. The syndrome that you were born with is pretty rough. Lots of other girls with your syndrome haven’t made it this far.

But you, my love, are one tough little kid. You have been through so very, very much, and you have handled so much of it with a smile and a wave.

And, for the rest of it, through the surgeries and the seizures and the pneumonia, you have fought like hell.

That’s my girl.

I am so very, very proud of you. And I’m glad that you are still here.

I am looking forward to many more years of making you smile and laugh. Never doubt that I love you more than anything.  You have given me so much.

I love you, Cait. Thank you for teaching me every day what is really important.

Love,

Mama