Myna is 6

My sweet Myna is six. And, what a wonderful six year old she is. In the last year she learned to ride a bike, grew 4 1/2 feet (I swear), got most of the way to reading and half way to swimming, started Kindergarten, has improved in her art skills tremendously, answers questions with confidence even when strangers ask them, traveled to Mexico, went inside the Montreal Temple during an open house, and continues to surprise and impress us with her thoughtful questions and true compassion.

I mean, for her birthday, this cute girl, who is also known for her earth-shaking desire to never let a thing out of her possession that could ever have been called hers, didn't ask for a party. She wanted to have a family birthday and then deliver flowers to graves and to people who are dying. So, that's what we did. And, it was a beautiful way to celebrate a birthday.

Right before Memorial Day this past year, Myna had her first dance recital. So, being the great mom I am, I bought her a beautiful bouquet of roses as I rushed home from the recital in one car, while Pete brought her home in the other. They were beautiful. She was amazed and entranced. That was Saturday. On Monday, we celebrated Memorial Day. I happened to say out loud that I'd forgotten to pick up some flowers to put on graves of veterans but that we'd just have to find something else. Not too long later, Myna begins packing up all of her precious roses to give to the people we were going to remember. That was one of the proudest moments I've ever had. It was incredible to watch her pass out each one of her roses. I wasn't even mad that she was giving away the flowers I'd spent way too money on.

Also, in that recital, she was placed near the end of her row, right next to a little girl with developmental issues. I know that the teacher trusted Myna to focus and do well despite the fun and crazy dancing going on beside her, and I knew that the teacher understood that Myna would understand and not get upset with the little girl.

I must remember these things for Myna is a gift. I am glad I get to share her with the world - as hard as it has proven to be. I am grateful that Heavenly Father has shared her with me. My Myna.