Happy Birthday Stormi Rae Ricks. Four years ago today I watched you take your very first breath. Four years ago today I took one look at you and felt a love that I had never felt before! I can’t believe you are already four years old.

Gigi Loves You!

You will never know how much I love you, and being away from you today tears my heart to pieces. I know that you don’t understand everything that is happening in your little world right now, but one day you will. One day it will all make sense, and when you are old enough you will come find me. I will be waiting for you with open arms. I pray that you will be safe, healthy, and happy in the mean time.

Life is cruel, and unfortunately when you are little you don’t have much say in what goes on in your life. And as a grandmother, I don’t have much say in what goes on your life as well. I pray that things will change. I pray that one day, decisions will be made that are best for you! And I pray that one day your feelings will matter to the big people in your life. I’m sorry that your daddy is no longer here to help make sure that happens.

I hope you give your mama some grace as you grow up. I know things are going to be very difficult for you, but I also know she loves you. Just know that she is probably doing the best she is capable of. Mental illness is an ugly thing, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you. It doesn’t even mean that she doesn’t love me. It just means that we have to set boundaries and learn how to push through.

Happy Birthday Stormi Rae Ricks. Gigi loves you!