Olivia Elizabella's 7th Birthday

To my dearest Ellie, You are the answer to a prayer I didn't even know God had already begun answering. There was this one night when I was so heartbroken that I found myself crying alone in an empty room. Through tears, I whispered, "Lord, just one tight hug. I don't know why, but I really, really need one right now." That night, I thought I was praying for comfort. But God wasn't answering my prayer with a moment. He was answering it with a person. It would take years before I met that answer. Years later, you were about two or three years old. We were lying in bed together, waiting to fall asleep, and I was holding you close in my arms. Then, out of nowhere, that painful night came rushing back to me. In that quiet moment, everything finally made sense. The hug I had cried for on my loneliest night had found me at last. It was YOU. Maybe you've wondered why Mama hugs you every chance she gets. I'm sorry, Nakong. I guess I'm still making the most of the prayer God answered. I still remember the day I found out I was pregnant with you. I cried happy tears because somehow, deep inside, I felt like I had been waiting for you my entire life. That day, I made a promise to myself that I would protect you, care for you, and love you with everything my heart and soul could give. It is a promise I will keep for as long as I live. When I was about twenty weeks pregnant with you, I was sitting on my bed one night with my hand resting on my tummy. Then, as clearly as if someone had whispered it into my heart, I heard one simple word: "Girl." I smiled. "I have found my forever best friend!" And when we finally found out your gender, it was true. I'll never forget the first night they brought you into my hospital room from the neo unit. You looked so tiny. So fragile. I was terrified. I kept thinking, What if you cry? What if I don't know what to do? What if I carry you the wrong way? What if I accidentally hurt you? Then you cried. Really, really loud. I panicked. But in that very moment, something changed. It was as if God quietly placed motherhood into my heart. A spark I never knew existed suddenly came alive, and instinct took over. Somehow, I just knew what to do. From that moment on, loving you became the most natural thing I've ever done. You always tell me that Mama is your best friend. I really am. And I hope that never changes. No matter how old you become, no matter where life takes you, I hope you'll always know that you can come home to me. Come to me when life is beautiful. Come to me when your heart is heavy. Come to me when you're celebrating, when you're scared, when you're anxious, when you're tired, or when you simply need someone to sit beside you without saying a word. I'll always be here. Because before I'm anything else... I am your Mama. And I will always be your home. I just want you to know, Ellie, na mahal na mahal ka ni Mama. You're the greatest blessing God has ever entrusted to me, and without a doubt, the most beautiful thing that has ever happened in my life. I wish you all the love in the world, Nakong. I pray that you grow into a kind and compassionate person, someone who loves God, walks humbly with Him, and treats everyone you meet with kindness and respect. Choose joy, my love. Life is far too short to spend it carrying hatred or causing pain to others. Live with a gentle heart. Let your happiness never come at the expense of someone else's. When you're happy, thank the Lord. When you're hurting, talk to Him. When you're afraid, lean on Him. When you're lost, ask Him to guide your steps. And whatever is in your heart or on your mind, always bring it to Him in prayer. He has never failed your Mama, and I know He never will fail you. I pray that God blesses you with a long, healthy, and beautiful life. May He protect you from every harm, surround you with people who genuinely love you, and lead your heart closer to Him every single day. Never forget this, Anak. No matter how much you grow... No matter how independent you become... No matter where life takes you... You will always have a place where you are deeply loved. You will always have a home. With me. Mahal na mahal ka ni Mama. Andito lang ako palagi, Anak kong mahal. Love always, Mama