The Baynhams

There are some numbers that evoke a certain memory. When you see them in another context they can transport you to another place, another time. On a walk recently I saw this fence. On it the number Ninety Eight. The years whizzed backwards in my head and I was transported to 1998, the year I became a mother.

In March 1998 I was ready to give birth to my first child. We were so excited. The nursery was ready, the changing table all set out with nappies and creams. The little baby vests washed and folded and waiting to be worn. All we needed was to tell this baby to hurry up and meet us. And on the 9th of March she did just that. After hours and hours of slowly progressing I began to push. And then it happened... One minute it was Byron, the midwife and myself, the next there was a baby in the room. I still remember the astonishment as I saw her. A baby. A real baby. My real baby!

Sian, you came into our world and made it a better place. For 16 years we have watched you grow and we have learnt how to become parents. We haven't always got it right and I'm sure we still have more to learn but we are so incredibly happy to have you as our daughter. We want you to grow to become a happy and well adjusted individual. Although I am tempted to hold you tight and wrap you in bubble wrap I really do want you to get out there and experience life in all its glory. These next few years you will finish school and make a start on your adult life. You will rely less and less on us and start to trust in your own beliefs. You will make friends and lose friends. You will discover the person you are, truly uniquely you. There has never been another you and there never will. Stand proud in front of the mirror. Take a deep breath and pull your shoulders back, hold your head high and give your best smile. You are wonderful just as you are. For some you will not be important as we cannot be friends with everyone no matter how hard we try. But for some you will be their whole world. Be the best friend you can be and spend time with those who make you feel good about yourself, those who make you laugh and bring out the best in you. Eat foods you have never tasted before, accept opportunities to try new things, go new places, aim high but don't worry if sometimes you don't reach your goals. Everything happens for a reason. There is a big picture and it is being watched over by powers greater than you. Trust in your heart and know that you have a cheering squad shouting and clapping for you in the background. A cheering squad made of Your Dad and I, your brother and sister, relatives, teachers and wonderful family friends that will try to allow you to make your own mistakes and learn from them but a cheering squad that will circle you and lift you up at the smallest sign that you need us.

We love you Sian. So very, very much. You are amazing. The adventure is just beginning...