Babies and Fairies (Four Months)

2/2/19

Gwendolyn,

You giggled for the first time this last month. We know the date, in fact: January 6, 2019, will forever be the day you learned to laugh. Your dad was the one lucky enough to elicit it. 

I realize my Peter Pan obsession is still alive and well because I couldn’t help but think a fairy was born on that day of your first laugh. As the book says:

“When a new baby laughs for the first time a new fairy is born, and as there are always new babies there are always new fairies.”

You are still new to this world, and will be for quite some time. Each new experience and emotion in life can feel consuming and defining, much like J.M. Barrie describes fairies in his fantastical tale. “Fairies have to be one thing or the other, because being so small they unfortunately have room for one feeling only at a time.”

Undoubtedly, happiness comes easily to you. And, with time, hopefully laughter will always come without effort. I hope if you only have room for one choice feeling, I hope you always choose joy. I hope you always let joy — and the finding and keeping of it — be what defines your being. Let it fill you and motivate you towards good. 

There is something about new life — about childhood — that is as wonderful, awe-inducing and fantastic as the thought of fairies. For many, the innocence and wonder of childhood shields them from the harsh realities of the world at large. But without question, if you live long enough you will inevitably be tempted by cynicism after enduring trials. Do not let it swallow you up. Have faith in a loving Heavenly Father that your experiences are for your good, and that he wants you to feel and find true, eternal joy. Take heart in knowing innocent new life — and thus, magic and fairies and joy — is always being born. There is always cause for optimism and joy. 

I love you.

Always,

Mama