WHO: Addison Valana Chandler
AGE: 19 1/2
WHEN: past, present, future
WHAT: my daughter, my friend, my sometimes hardhead, occasional headache, always sweetheart!
OCCUPATION: administrative assistant, carhop, family assistant, restaurant counter worker, sitter, missionary, dessert baker, casserole maker, social planner, daughter, favorite grandaughter (her words!), and FRIEND to all.
If I had to describe my daughter, Addison in one one word it would be charitable. Addison is a child of many talents and many traits that make her a joy to be around. I am so proud of her and all her accomplishments and I would like to take this opportunity to say how thankful I am that our Heavenly Father had enough faith in me that he placed this child in our home and allowed me to be her mother. In the 19 1/2 years that Addison has been on this earth she has taught me so many lessons. Some other words that describe her are funny, witty, sly, giving, loving, cautious, courteous, kind, thoughtful, and especially beautiful -- not just on the outside but on the inside as well. She is always thinking of others first, a trait that she was born with and has carried into her adult life. Even though she works hard and is currently working 4 jobs and tutoring on the side making it 5 jobs total she is still not very concerned with monetary things and material things for herself. I cannot tell you the times I have been shocked and so moved by the things she has done for others -- sometimes big things and other times the small things not usually even noticed by others that never brings attention to herself. Now don't get me wrong, the girl is NOT SHY by any means and does like attention in a funny funloving kind of way and is so witty! Never a dull moment when she's around but she NEVER brings attention to herself when she is doing for others. Many times I have been at work and somehow Addison has a gift of knowing when I've had a tough time and she will just show up with a treat of some sort -- and not just for me but enough for the crowd. Usually it's my Diet Mountain Dew craving that is cured with her visit! :) Sometimes it's chocolate or lunch just out of the blue and never asking anything in return. I could name numerous times Addison has paid for things she knew someone else could not afford or just out of the goodness of her heart she gives what she has and trust me she has worked for it. Things did not come easy for my children and being a single mom was tough for me at times. There was so much more I wish I could've done for my children than I was able to do but when I see the example of my daughter, Addison, I am grateful for the challenges we've been faced with and for the lessons she's learned from these experiences. She truly has a heart of gold and has such a compassionate sense about her that is evident in the life she leads. Addison is always busy and if she's not working she is out with friends or socializing with someone somewhere planning what they will do next. She is not home much lately and I miss the times we used to have together when for a short time it was just the two of us...Those times I will treasure forever. For now, though, I am so thankful for Addison and the fine example she is to me and to so many. She has plans of attending college out west this winter and is working really hard towards her goals right now. I have no doubt that she will achieve her dreams and her goals are all within sight. She has the mindset and the determination to do what she will and most importantly she has the right attitude and has her heart in the right place. Addison knows her Heavenly Father and is close to our Savior, Jesus Christ. She has a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is evident in the choices she is making. It is Addison who mostly leads our family in family prayer at night -- whether it's just me and her or whether it's the whole family here at once. I am so thankful for Addison and for the example she is to me. I feel so blessed to be Addison's mother. Keep up the great work, Addison! Your shoes will be hard ones to fill someday but hopefully you'll leave them here for me when you leave the nest and I sure hope I can wear them some. They've taken you to some amazing places in your life and I am so proud of you, my daughter and my friend. I love you.
Forever,
Mommy
