Penelope Rose, you are a star. A firecracker full of all things wholesome: all parts loving.

The world knows how much you mean to me. Whenever I am thinking about doing bad things, I am confronted with your beautifully forgiving smile, and somehow I am full of courage to live on to the next day. You have much more power than you know.

You get it from your mom.

Celina, you are all things beautiful in a world that tends to spell out the opposite. You remind me of hope. Despite obstacles stacked against you, you battle every single day with a big heart, ready to take on the world and all that comes with it. Nothing could ever get in your way, and nothing could ever get in the way of how much you love "Peedie". I admire you.

I've met a lot of little kids in my life. I've taught thousands of kids how to swim, babysat a few dozen, and yet still none ever compare to how caring you are. Celina, you are raising an amazing human being. Be proud of that.

Within thirty seconds of being around you, I forget about all of the troubles that are hurting my heart. I forget about all of the pain. Somehow, someway, you make my life worth living again.

In a world where kindness is wildly undervalued, you both are living it out no matter what. Kindness is in your being, no matter how many times I try and teach Penelope things. I learn from you both.

Just this past time I saw you, you had a bigger impact than any times before. With every hug I gathered a little more strength to continue fighting when I knew I didn't want to anymore. In my mind, with every doubt or thought of pain, my mind went straight to you and I felt a little bit stronger.

I've taught you how to say "It wasn't me" and the circle game, but I'm not even close to done yet.

Thank you for being the sunshine in my gray skies, for giving me hope in a hopeless life, and for continually being kind regardless of the world. I love you both, forever and ever. I will never be able to thank you enough for the ways you've saved my life.

Sincerely,

Bri