Sixteen Years Ago...

I had a beautiful baby girl. She had ten adorable toes and ten long fingers. She was so perfect in so many ways, except she wasn't healthy. She was having seizures, having problems breathing, couldn't regulate her temperature, and the doctors were baffled. They told us they were going to do everything they could to figure it out and to help her, but to be prepared. They'd already had to resuscitate her several times. We could visit her in the NICU, and look at our precious little girl, but we couldn't hold her. We prayed, as did so many people all over the country.

Soon we were able to feed her by holding a syringe that drained through her nose into her stomach. Then we were able to hold her and feed her with the syringe. Then finally she was able to nurse and we could take her into the family room for half an hour at a time, on monitors, of course, so we could spend time alone with her, cuddling and nursing. Two weeks later, our baby, whose life was in such peril before, was able to go home... on meds, but doing well.

Now our sweet little girl is SIXTEEN!!! She is still so beautiful, and such an amazing young Christian woman. I'm so proud to call her my daughter. She's a great sister, a great daughter, and a great person. We have been so blessed to have these amazing children!

Emily, I know you'll read this... I am so proud of you! Thank you for being such a sweet young lady! Please always remember that we love you, your siblings love you, but most importantly, God loves you! Always turn to Him in all things. I love you! Happy Birthday!!!