Twenty years ago, at a little after two in the afternoon, I held my princess for the first time. It wasn’t a tiara on her head, but rather one of those little stocking caps they put on all newborns but she was my princess, my little girl.
These twenty years have flown by. I don’t exactly know how that happens. We all live one day after the next, 24 hours followed by 24 more, and yet 7305 days have passed in what seems like a blur since my sweet daughter was born. How did she go from dolls and dress-ups to dances and dates?
The answer is one beautiful step and one glorious day at a time, but with our limited human abilities, we simply can’t remember them all. What is left is a collection of stunning impressions. Sure there are images of tee-ball games where she wore lace anklets with her cleats, dance recitals in beautiful costumes, birthday parties, and holidays. But there are also images of ordinary days, Catholic school uniform 
clad days, hot summer, sunburned-nose days. There are the occasional days of worry and sadness. There are days of heartbreak and great joy. These are the threads that make up the fabric of 7305 days of memories.
However, while the memories are very dear to me, more precious still is the exquisite young lady she has become. Yes, she is very lovely, but that isn’t what I’m referring to. Her beauty penetrates to her very soul. She is kind, compassionate, warm and genuine; the kind of person who sees the unnoticed and draws them in. She has confidence in her ability and her innate value while still nurturing a deep faith in God that grounds her.
Occasionally I miss the dolls and dress-ups, but not for long because I am so very proud of woman she is becoming. I have referred to her several times in this post and mine–my princess, my little girl, my sweet daughter. This will make her laugh. She is mine (and her father’s 🙂 ) but perhaps most significantly she is her own woman. She will make a mark on this world. She will touch people and change their lives. She already has.
I love you Meghan, with every fiber of my being. Happy Birthday.
Ceci Giltenan, Author 
What a beautiful tribute to a very, very special and lovely young lady! Enjoy the day, all of you! I agree ~ she is a princess!
What lovely, heartwarming feelings you’ve expressed about your daughter (whom I hope to meet someday). Happy birthday to her, and to you, for bringing her into the world.
Thank you my friends. I am particularly missing my wee lass today because she is in Maryland. However, my brother and sister-in-law have the chance to spoil her and I will see her on Friday.
❤ ❤ ❤
that is so beautiful , i have two daughters , 23 and 28 , also a son 31, he is away , bit my 2 beautiful girls are here , i am so lucky i have them here , time sure does fly , HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOUR PRINCESS , GOD BLESS
Hi Sharon, Thank you. I have a son too. He had his birthday tribute when he turned 21 in September! 🙂
awesome , they do grow up fast , just ,just down loaded the books i won , good reading tonight , thank you
Ceci, that was a beautiful and heartwarming tribute! Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter, Meghan!
Thank you Cathy!
What a lovely tribute and as having daughters in the same age range I totally get it. We are proud of and love our lassies. I feel lucky as I have met Meghan and like her mom she a wonderful young woman, smart, personable, beautiful and sweet just like her Mom!!! Have a wonderful birthday Meghan! ❤
Yes Barb, having daughters brings endless blessings!! I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting yours, but I’m sure I will someday. Thank you for your kind words.
❤ Ceci
I agree…a beautiful essay about your daughter and your relationship with her…and I love the photo of her holding the little bunny!
I love that photo too, Ruby. Sometimes candid photos can really capture someone’s essence and that sweetness really personifies my daughter.
❤ Ceci
lovely