THE GIRL'S BIRTHDAY

I began my week this past Monday morning with a continuing bout of bronchitis and sinus infection and before the morning was over had added a dreaded adhesion pain and flare.  I won't get into it all except to say that it's been a hard week for me and my health.  I even felt entitled on Wednesday to wallow in a bit of self-pity.  After wallowing a bit, I got myself in line and moved on with my week.  I must practice the faith I preach.

I ended the 5-day week tonight with a good dose of blessings.    It was on this day 38 years ago that our family of two became a family of three.  Yes, The Girl enjoyed a birthday today.

We didn't have much then and don't have much now but we had the three of us together and a whole lot of love.  This was our first Christmas.

Our little girl gave us one delight after another as a child and continues even now with each passing day....a blessing.

This is a preschool picture back in 1986....a blessing.

Her love of playing the piano delights us each and every Sunday...yet another blessing.

Even though she was an only child, she made friends.  Here are two that still live with us today....Susie and Amy.  Amy is the one with the head injury.

The Girl always studied hard and treated others nicely.  She always made us proud.  This picture's purpose is to show you how The Girl looks in shorter hair AND how much The Husband and I have changed.

The Girl followed her heart to The Son-In-Law and then along came The Grandbaby.  Blessings continued on then and continue on now.

We celebrated tonight as we have the other 37 years with gifts and sugar free ice cream cake.  From the smile of The Grandbaby, she's learning birthday fun, even when it's not her own birthday.

The Girl's gift included matching shoes for her and her girl.

I have always prayed for The Girl at various stages of her life and the Lord has always supplied.  I often just stand in awe of the wonderful woman this little girl has grown to be.  I've watched as she has excelled in school and work but most of all, but most importantly I've watched as she excelled in life.  Sometimes that hasn't been easy.  She has endured living with diabetes and she has endured much fear in her life.  She has shown courage and grace.  Through it all, if possible to be more so, she has become stronger, kinder, more tolerant, and more loving.  I learn from her each day.

I guess the best wish I could wish for her and The Son-In-Law is that after 36 more years, they will be able to experience the feelings about their little girl that I have experienced on this night.

So to the girl who made me a mama and a proud one at that, happy birthday!  Your parents love you more than you can imagine.