Dearest Ella

At my baby shower, my mom passed out a piece of paper to everyone.  It was a letter to Ella, on which the guests filled in blanks.  Much of what was written to my then-unborn daughter made me smile, cry.  I never want her to forget the heartfelt sentiments written to her that day.  This is the letter, filled with some of my favorite answers. 


Dearest Ella, I hope you...
get your mommy's emotional exuberance. 
get your daddy's gentleness. 
learn to speak fluent Spanish like your dad and be an encourager like your mom; to love the Lord and put Him first in your life; to be joyful no matter what.
love to read, sing, dance, play outside, and roll down hills.
try to be unstoppable, understanding, and forgiving.
never forget how beautiful and loved you are.  Most importantly, never forget to hug your parents.
are not afraid of moving across the United States for love [prioritize love]. 
one day become an advocate for others. 
Love,
your friends and family