Why did you choose me, Mommy? Kajal asked me tonight.

I didn't choose you, honey, God did. I asked God to find me the daughter meant for me, and he found you. He found me the perfect daughter for me and he found the perfect mother, for you. We were meant to be together. Like the Red Thread. (Her favorite fairy tale, a story about an invisible red thread that ties parents and children together who are meant to be together.)

I felt like she needed to hear more, needed to be reassured that I wanted her... that I would choose her.

Would you like me to list all the reasons that I love you?

Oh, yes, Mommy.

Okay... I love you because you have a kind heart. I love you because you are incredibly generous. I love you because you are so wise. I love you because you have a great sense of humor and know just when to be silly.

And so, on and on, I listed the reasons that I love her.

I read once that it puts too much pressure on a child to tell them that you 'chose them' but I always want her to know that we were meant to be together, to remind her that I truly believe that God chose us for one another.

I often try to take some time to tell her how special she is... take the time to share with her all the wonderful ways that she shines.

And wouldn't all of us, like to hear on a regular basis, all the ways that we are loved...