MY LITTLE GIRL ~  MY LOVE 

Today, I celebrate one of my favorite days of the year!  My little girl...Breana, turns ten years old.  In honor of this little miracle's birthday, I want to celebrate her first decade of life.  What better way to do that than by sharing a bit of her life and personality with all of you.  I am so blessed to not only know her but have her as my daughter, and the following are just a few reasons why this is true!

So without further ado and in no particular order, here are my top ten reasons that I celebrate Breana Renee Eubanks...

1. Her heart.  Breana is full of compassion.  When an ambulance passes us she prays that the family will feel at peace in the midst of whatever chaotic and scary thing is going on.  She prays that the doctors will be wise, and that the ambulance gets to it's location safely.  If yu ever pass us in an ambulance, you are totally covered with the love of a little girl...a stranger.  A stranger with a ginormous heart!
2. Her smile.  Breana has a smile which warms the heart of even the grumpiest types.  We are regulars at this one restaurant.  No one could get a particular server to smile.  He always seemed bitter and angry.  One evening at dinner, Breana cracked a smile and his face shone for the first time in the two years that we had known him.  Since then, he smiles and laughs with us everytime we see him. 
3. Her energy.  Okay, okay...sometimes, I wish she were not so energetic.  But on the days where I need some energy, she shares it with me.  When you are around Breana you just cannot help but feel enthusiastic for life.  She bubbles over with life and it is always exciting!
4. Her attitude.  While many children have learned to make excuses, Breana has learned a "can do" attitude.  No matter the challenge, she meets it with grace and determination.  In this, her first year playing softball, she is pitching.  When she decided that she wanted to try pitching, she committed herself to helping her team by being the best pitcher she could be.  Never have I heard her say, "I can't" when she is coached to do something differently.  She gets in there, pushing up her Roxy sweatshirt sleeves and does it.
5. Her generosity.  Breana gives.  There is no more to say than that.  She gives of her time, her energy, her money, and most importantly, herself.  Most of the things she does have been done to encourage someone else. 
6. Her strength.  When we named Breana, we did not know initially that her name meant "Strong".  But once we had decided on the name, I looked up it's meaning.  I was glad for the meaning as I wanted a leader.  I wanted for my daughter to be strong and know who she was/is.  She is as strong as they come, and at the same time, soft and delicate.  She is going to grow up to be an amazing woman.  I feel privileged that I get to be by her and watch what God has planned for her life.
7. Her creativity.  While this may seem silly to some, it is truly one thing I love about Breana.  She is an individual and she knows what she likes.  She beats to her own drummer, and her style demonstrates this truth.  Breana has impeccable style in everything she does.
8. Her work ethic.  Breana entered grade four this year with a drastic change in expectations.  At the beginning, she was truly unaware of what it would take to earn her customary grades.  As we went about the process of working to achieve her goals, she chose to skip certain events in order to excel at something which mattered to her.  She is going to go far in life with an attitude like that.
9. Her decency.  Breana has a great grasp on what really matters in life.  She cares about the homeless.  When we ran by them this March for the Shamrock Run, her heart was scared for the individuals she saw.  She has a sense of fairness.  She knows inherently what is right and what is wrong.  She lives out her life with mercy and with grace. 
10. Her life.  Breana is a miracle.  With the cord wrapped around her neck twice, her birth was tumultuous.  Tens of hours after labor Breana entered this world.  Within moments of her birth, my health was in danger.  She has helped me fight and never give up even since that time.  When times are rough, I remember that God had (has) a purpose for her life.  And that I am a part of what will help to get her where she needs to be. 

Yes...many of these aspects seem too "big" for a ten year old child.  But, in a way, she has always been a bit wiser than her years.  It is, in part, why I have called her my "Munchkin" from the time she was born.  I am so very proud of her life so far, and yet I look to the future and know that her life will be even so much more.

Celebrate today.  Find whatever you can to find your top ten reasons why you love today.  I did not have to look very hard.  Hopefully you won't either.  Happy 10th Birthday, Breana!  For the record, "I love you more, most, forever and ever and always!"