Dear Ashley,

I can't believe that you turned 17 today my baby, my first born. We couldn't be more proud of the young woman that you've become.

You have such beautiful true qualities about you, I often hear comments about you as such: "She is so mature for her age", "She is so sweet", "She is beautiful", "She is so classy, "She has such a positive attitude"and I couldn't agree more with all of their comments.

I love how you ask employees at stores or restaurants, "How are you doing" and "How is your day going", I love how you always have a beautiful smile on your face, I love your goals that you have set for yourself and your sweet testimony, you really are such a huge example to me, I love the compassion you show to people, I love how you are so open and honest. I am so thankful for the relationship that we have, and I dread the day when you'll move out and go to college.

I hope you had a great birthday, thanks for being your sweet self.

Love, Mom.