"It's just really special...."

Layla and I took a stroll down the driveway and out to the mailbox today. On the way back we stopped to sit on the dock for a bit and look through the mail. To Layla's surprise, she had a card! She has no special occasion coming up, so the anticipation grew as to who sent it and why. She ripped it open and handed it to me to read. It was from a special adult in Layla's life who reads our blog and this is what it said...

Layla,
I want to thank you for being so brave at your tumbling performance even though you were afraid. We're going to face that many times in our lives and we will have to do it afraid. We always know Jesus is with us so we're never alone. You showed me a very valuable lesson. I am proud of you. You may be a little girl, but you are very wise.

Layla had a sweet smile on her face and an expression I have never seen. Then, she buried her face in my shoulder. I asked, "What do you think?" She pulled back and said, in a small, quiet voice, "It's just really special mom. I just love it so much." The joy was so intense on her face, I thought she was going to cry. I now know what Layla's expression is when she's overwhelmed with joy, not just happiness.