Twenty-two years ago to this hour, you were in labor with me. You & dad were about to welcome your fifth child into this world. I would soon become your 'hardest' child, because, a tooth would be discovered in my mouth right after delivery & I would grace you with a colic for the first six months of my life.
I would be the last child you ever carried to term, with the miscarriage that happened in 2000 being the last child you ever conceived. I'll always hold the title of your 'baby girl.'
Dad would soon surprise you with having a song dedicated to you on the radio, right after I was born.
While he played that song for us tonight- 22 years later, your eyes filled up with tears & you looked at the man that held your hand during delivery & has continued to hold your hand every day since. Through the days of trail & days of success- he's been the man you've looked to. He chose you & you chose him 33 years ago & you've never looked back since.
Josiah would not get his wish of having a younger brother, once again- & would soon decide that dressing us up in army gear would have to do. He'd take on the role of protector for his four sisters from the start & carry that throughout his life. 22 years later though, he would break the 'trend' & allow Liam a little brother to play with.
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Today, we celebrate you, Momma. You gave me life. This day is just as special for me, as it is for you. You cared for me & nurtured me for 9 long months. You thought about me before yourself & still do to this day. You hold the title of 'momma' with grace & tenderness.
I celebrate this day- my birthday, because you & dad chose to allow God to give you as many children as He saw fit. Thank you for choosing life. So many babies are denied even a chance at life...a chance at becoming who God has destined them to be.
I only know from stories what that day was like for you & dad- & the four siblings that awaited me at home. I do know though, that from the moment a little girl with a full head of dark hair & a chubby belly was welcomed into this world, I've been loved. & I've been loved deeply.
Thank you for the long sleepless nights & for all the 'messy' adventures that I brought into your life. Thank you for giving me siblings, which I would soon find out would be my best & truest friends throughout the years. Thank you for the years of homeschooling, driving lessons & teaching me what it meant to be a Godly women.
This day truly should be your day. I will forever share this day with you.
.Your Gracie girl.
