Dear baby girl

Dear Baby Girl,

There are a million and one books that I could have given you, but for some reason I chose this one (sidebar: I gave her The Horse and His Boy). Actually, not for some reason. For several very good reasons.

You see, the books of Narnia have always had this peculiar, magical capability of making me feel like a child again, and I hope they do the same for you. And you might say, “But Aunt Kenz, I already am a kid!” To which I would reply, “Yes, Baby Girl (or whatever your parents decide to name you), I know that, but one day in the very far off future, you will be what some people call “a grown up” or “an adult.” You’ll have a job and health insurance and rent to pay, and that’s all very well, but you’ll start to forget that there’s a child lying underneath that grown-up exterior. And sometimes, it takes a talking, not-at-all-tame lion named Aslan to remind you who you really are.”

Now, that’s my first point. The second is this — I hope you see yourself in the children of this book (and horses, but I won’t spoil that bit for you). There will be times when you feel afraid like Shasta, deep longing like Bree, and ashamed like Aravis. But I also hope that you will be brave like Shasta, bold like Bree, and courageous like Aravis. You see, these characters are human, just like you. They fail and they falter, but Aslan meets them where they are and reminds them of who he is and who they are. He is the Great Lion and they are children of Narnia. And know this — you are a child of Narnia.

There are many more words I could write, but only three matter — I love you, baby girl. You are very loved by me, and so many others.

Love,

Aunt Kenz

P.S. My apologies for not getting you the entire Chronicles of Narnia series. Your parents will have to foot the bill for those.

P.P.S. Unless I get you one every Christmas, which really, come to think of it, is not a bad idea.

P.P.P.S. That is all! Read on!!