I received the books for my kids' birthday in the mail the other day and could not wait to give them to the kids. I called both of them into my room one at a time, and talked with them and told them how much I love them and that their birthday present was finally here. They could not wait to see what it was.When Amanda opened it and saw that it was a book all about her, her eyes lit up and she almost started to cry. (This is my now eight-year old). We went through the book together, page by page, and she read every single word. She had fun looking at pictures of her, but loved what was told to her.
Afterward, she hugged me and thanked me, and told me she loved it. Later, she made me her own little card to say thank you for the book. She carried the book in her arms the rest of the night, showing it to her siblings and then took it to school the next day to show her teacher. She has read it everyday since. What a joy it was to see her love the book.
My son (my other now eight-year old) at first thought he might be in trouble when I called him into my room. Then I told him the same things I said to his sister. And when he saw the surprise was a book all about him and the things I love about him, his eyes looked at me as if he were in shock, but they had amazement and excitement.
He, like his sister, read through every page and loved the words and all the pictures of himself doing special things and spending moments with me. His eyes had tears in them as he finished the book; although, he tried to hide them from me. He hugged me so hard and would not let go. He thanked me over and over and told me how much he loved me and loved the book.
He could not wait to show everyone, too. He has read the book for his reading homework for school and just loves it!
My heart is full of joy as I share with you how wonderful it was to give the kids their own book all about them and the things I love about them. I know that they will read it many times and it will help them build their self-esteem and help them know that no matter what happens, I will always love them.
This gift from my heart to my kids is one thing that I will always remember.
