I woke up yesterday feeling like garbage (most of which I attribute to the ridiculous pollen count, and a rainy date outdoors with a hot guy named Sean on Friday night, but I digress). After a pathetic attempt to work a full eight hours, I finally caved in on a half-day’s work to give me time to recooperate (and medicate). No sooner had I hit the doctor’s parking lot did my best friend Jeannie call to tell me she was having a baby. Suddenly, I felt much better.

If any of you are like me, your CD collection is a mixture of burnt discs (most of which are unlabeled and you have absolutely no idea what’s on them). There are certain ones you turn to regularly (which I call “Old Faithfuls”), while others you overlook almost as if they don’t even exist. One of these latter discs (which I conveniently labeled “Tara’s Party Mix”) was compiled by Jeannie and I during our dorm-room days in college (prior to when using Napster was a legal issue).

Its contents are a mixture of Paul Oakenfold, Incubus, and some miscellaneous gangster rap, among other tunes. At the time, these songs were the soundtrack to our ignorant youth, but in light of yesterday’s glorious news, I somehow felt compelled to put one track in particular on repeat mode - The Beatles “A Day in the Life.”

This one is a favorite of Jeannie’s and mine for many reasons, but yesterday, it struck a chord in my heart that had never been touched before. For those who haven’t heard the song, it is a prime example of The Beatles’ ability to bring out happiness, sadness, inspiration, hope, fear and more out of you in one single composition. I highly recommend you download it (legally through Napster, of course). In fact, hearing it is the only way to interpret the quotated phrases in my letter below.

A lot has changed since those dorm-room days. Getting wasted has been replaced with getting married; saving money has taken the place of wasting it (kind of); and strangely enough, spending a quiet night at home with loved ones is way cooler than hitting the clubs until 2 in the morning. In light of all this (and I realize I’m babbling), I could not help but hear the lyrics of this Beatles’ classic in an entirely new light while en route to Labor & Delivery. I guess you could say I’m growing up. Whatever you call it, I felt the need to translate it in a letter to my new niece, Carrie Grace, which undoubtedly she is unable to read at present.

Dear Carrie Grace -

I will always remember the very first second we met each other. Unlike most newborns, you set your brand new pair of eyes directly onto mine, and I could tell in an instant that you’d grow up to be the inquisitive type. Grandpa’s flashing camera, Cortland’s instantaneous tears, the multiple faces eager to get up close to yours – you were oblivious to none of it. Instead of crying, you quietly absorbed your new surroundings, occasionally responding with a smile or a coo. You are truly an earth angel.

Well Earth Angel, one day (most likely in your adulthood) you may find yourself interested in “the news today.” Some of it may be uplifting (the hungry being fed, or “man’s best friend” saving his life), but don’t be surprised to find yourself distressed at most of it. Life is filled with both good and bad, but summer’s warmth can only truly be appreciated after winter’s bitter chill. Your job is to be that warmth to everyone around you – a light in the darkness - and always remember that (despite each day’s bad news), love truly does conquer all. Arm yourself with it.

But let’s not worry about all that stuff for the time being, shall we? Before you find yourself in the vicious cycle of “waking up, falling out of bed, and dragging a comb across your head,” your only job at present is to be young – the best job you will ever have. Trust me sweetie, rushing through red and green lights only to clock-in at 9 a.m. to pay your bills will be here sooner than you think, so don’t grow up too fast. You are a child of God, and as such, have every right to enjoy all the beauty He has created for you – no matter how old you are.

There are tons of bugs to catch, ice cream cones to eat, and sunshine to bask in (the latter two of which I still do regularly). Not that there’s anything wrong with trapping bugs - just make sure the jelly jar is empty before using it (or mom and dad might be awful sore). But no matter how many “jelly jars” you sneak out of the fridge, always remember that you were born into love. I’ve known your parents for several years, and I can honestly say I’ve never seen them smile like they did the day you were born. Something tells me you’ll have that affect on lots of people.

Always remember that nothing beats a summer night on the ballfield with a hotdog in one hand and your dad’s hand in the other; honeysuckle is indeed edible; and lightening bugs glow on your skin if you smush them. And when you get older, never forget that The Beatles are the greatest rock band ever to exist (regardless of what you and your little girlfriends are listening to on mainstream radio). But most importantly, never lose sight of the fact that the world is filled with warm sunsets, majestic mountains, tranquilizing waters, interesting lands and more – all of which will be at your feet if only you keep your heart open to them. Yet despite all of these (the mightiest of God’s creations), I have no doubt saying you are the most beautiful.

I’m positive He thinks so too.