Happy 15th Birthday, Hannah!

April 11, 1993 was Easter Sunday. I woke up early that morning fairly certain that I was in labor. We went to church, sat on the back row, and timed contractions during the service. The man and I had just purchased our first house, and after service we went home and gathered with our family to hang drapes, play cards, and time more contractions. This was the first grandbaby and great-grandbaby on both sides of the family. Loved ones across the country were praying, and anxiosly waiting by their phones. By late afternoon we were settled into the hospital and we began to wait. And wait. And wait. I was thrilled at the thought of having an Easter baby, but as the hours ticked by and midnight loomed, I started to question. Oh, how I would love to recount every single second of that night, but I will refrain. I'll just share the best part...

At 3:20 a.m. on April 12th, a pink, wrinkled, swollen, cone headed creature entered the world and snatched my breath, as well as my heart, right away. All 8 pounds, 14 ounces of her. And just like that, I was a Mommy.

I spent nine months anticipating the miracles and joys of parenting. I looked forward to all the things I would teach my daughter, then quickly learned that it was I who would be doing most of the learning. Learning important things...like how to love deeply, protect mightily and trust earnestly. It is the trusting that is the hard part. When I get overwhelmed with fears about safety, or health issues, or dispensing proper advice, or being a worthy role model, I have to stop and remember that Hannah belongs to the Lord. She is a gift, who has been given to me for a time, and there is a wonderful thing called grace that is a healing balm for the many times I fail as a parent. A gift, indeed. One that never stops giving.

Hannah,

You are strong, and you challenge me. You are kind, and you serve me. You are clever, and you make me laugh. I am proud, I am inspired, I am humbled, and I am grateful, because you are my daughter. Happy Birthday, Boo Bear!!!

I Love You,

Mom