It is a beautiful day today. The bluest of blue skies without a cloud yet this morning. There is the slightest of breezes every now and then in the tippiest tops of the trees....or is it birds landing on branches as they flit around gathering in groups for their long southerly flights. It is warming up and should be in the mid-eighties today. Six years ago it seems to me it was a very similar day. A cool start to the day with a warm finish. God was very good to us that day. Your grandfather was gearing up for his second deployment, this time to Afghanistan, and was away for training most of the time. He was going to be gone the whole month of October which is when you were due to arrive. You arrived early by about 3 weeks and Grampy was home on a very rare 4 day weekend!!!! He wasn't sure if he had a cold or allergies, so he took necessary precautions.
I was so very lucky. With Grampy deploying, your Momma and Daddy came to live with me so I wouldn't be alone. That meant I got to see you every day and what a priceless gift that was to be.
You lived a lifetime in 3 years 8 months and 1 day. We learned to appreciate and look for the tiniest things. While other parents are eager to mark first steps, we were amazed when you slept on your stomach for the FIRST time ... after your first birthday! You taught us how to listen nonverbally. You could speak volumes with your face and when you got stronger your body language as well. You had a giant personality and have left a huge hole. Oh how you would get a kick out of your baby sister. She loves to look at your pictures on my kitchen cabinets....although your mom and I sometimes wonder if she thinks they are pictures of her. It is amazing how much she looks like you. This year you would be in Kindergarten with your second cousin, Keira. You would be getting ready for your first Nutcracker performance. Your mom packed so much into the 3 years 8 months and 1 day that you were here that today, while I miss you terribly, I am mostly ok, grateful for the fun that we had, for the joy that you brought us, even for the stress and fear....we had to grow in ways we never expected just to keep you alive on many occasions.
Today my heart is in a few places, .... hurting for your mom and dad....looking forward to the day I can be with you forever.....and in Boston with Aunt Jenny while she waits in a waiting room for Uncle Al. Precious baby girl, once again God has put us in a place that we cannot understand but we need to trust and rest in his unfailing love, his faithfulness and his goodness.
Grammy is not doing well with words today, but a candle is lit and my heart is singing Happy Birthday and holding you close. How glad I am that your mom and dad gave you such a special 3rd birthday party, with other little girls. Your smile will be with me always.
all my love forever and always,
Grammie
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philipians 4:6
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
