On March 14th, 1998 your father proposed. The engagement ring was so beautiful and classic and simple, which was exactly what I wanted.

A few months later, one of the prongs that held the diamond broke. We found the diamond and asked our friend, Chuck Konderla, who had a jewelry business to fix it. He explained that the diamond shape would be more secure in a different setting, so we agreed to a new ring with the same diamond. We picked it up and it was perfect. And then, he slowly pushed a little blue box across the table. We opened the box to find the original ring fixed with a beautiful aquamarine (my birthstone). It was a perfectly thoughtful wedding gift to us.

Your father and I decided that we would give our oldest daughter this ring.

This morning, I held my breath when I realized that today was the day! I could finally get the box out of the drawer I’d been hiding it in all these years and give it to you. We planned to give it to you tonight when we were opening presents, but I just couldn’t wait.

At 6:27am, I asked your dad if I could go ahead and give it to you. You climbed in our bed and we told you the story as we sat there in our pajamas.

I smiled all day knowing that you now have this ring.

We love you so much. You are our firstborn, the beautiful creature that made me a mother. Through motherhood, I’ve crawled out of my selfishness and seen other’s pain before my own. I’ve put aside vanity to satisfy the needs of my children. I’ve seen the wonder of God’s creation through fresh eyes. Thank you, beautiful one. You are so very loved. Happy birthday, dear.