Today is Her Day

Just over seventeen years ago, God brought my first child into my life. From the minute I laid eyes on her, I realized that my life was no longer my own. I knew this baby girl, and later her sister, would impact everything I did and every decision I made. It was an overwhelming responsibility, but the joy that they brought made it worth every minute.

She was the first grandchild on one side and the first granddaughter on the other side. So needless to say, much time was spent admiring her. Her grandmother taught first grade. She would come home every day and take a shower before coming to see her new granddaughter. She didn't want to spread any germs she had picked up from the school children.

She talked extremely early. I assume it had a little something to do with the fact that most of her life, an adult was in her face. I worked with a youth group at the time. She heard them call me "Amy," and at the ripe young age of thirteen months, she started calling me "Amy" as well. I thought I would never convince her that it was not appropriate for a toddler to call her mother by her first name.

We have often called her a coconut, brown on the outside, but blonde on the inside. She has book sense galore, but the common sense is a little lacking. One time at middle school lunch, there was a sign that said, "Due to vendor shortage, there will be no salad today." She looked at her friend with amazement and said, "Wow, I didn't know the lunchroom got their salad out of vending machines." That's my girl.

She is a friend to everyone. She has the most eclectic group of friends. They come from all walks of life. On a given Saturday night you might find them tie dying t-shirts or maybe watching the latest scary movie. They laugh much and enjoy life.

The one thing that stands out the most about her is her smile. When she flashes that smile at you and you look into those crystal blue eyes, it is as if you can see straight through into to her soul. When I look into that soul, I see a strong, brave young woman. I see someone who is able to take whatever circumstance life brings and rise above it. I see a mature soul that wants to make everything better. If she can't make the situation better, she at least wants to make those around her feel better.

I want this precious child to know that she has a great adventure awaiting her in life. She can go anywhere she wants to go and do most anything she wants to do. She has been a steady rock throughout this Unplanned Journey, but this is her senior year. I want her to enjoy every minute of it and then take life by the reigns and ride wherever it takes her. Her mom is okay. Her sister is okay. We want her to go live this life to its very fullest!

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.
Excerpt from Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss

This blog has been read, edited and approved by my daughter!