My sweet, beautiful Beka:

You are such an amazing person. You have the biggest heart of any person I have ever known. Your capacity to love others… human or animal… never ceases to amaze me. When so many other young people are looking out for themselves, you are worried about how others are, and trying to make sure every living thing is “ok”. You work hard to try and help people and animals, and that love is so wonderful to watch.

Even though the past few months have been very hard on you, and painful physically, you haven’t given up the things that you love, nor allowed the Crohn’s Disease to defeat your spirit. You tackled that just like you have everything else in your life. You have learned everything you could about your condition, and gained a determination to not let it interfere with your life. You have been very strong and courageous through everything you’ve had to go though, and I’m very proud of you for that.

Your spirituality never ceases to make me stop in my tracks, and just wonder. You have a very deep sense of what you believe in, and you don’t let anyone sway you from those beliefs. You stand up for what you feel is right, and best, even if others will laugh at you for what you’re saying. You feel very deeply about your God and Jesus, and it’s so beautiful to see that.

I know that no matter what you set out to do, you will accomplish it in your life. You have a very stubborn streak… in a good way. You don’t let anything stop you, once you are determined to do something. It’s really cool to watch you go after what you want, and think you should do/be.

Mostly, I’m just awed to be your Mom. Even though you can be a smart mouth (like any other teenager), you’re a great person, fun to hang out with, and so beautiful… inside and out.

I love you, my Beka Boo. Happy birthday, sweetheart.