Friday, May 17, 2013

Walking with Emily

Thirteen years ago I walked my 2nd born child, Emily Brooke, into the doors of Dawson Elementary in Corpus Christi, TX, for her first day of kindergarten. Tonight I will watch as she walks across the stage to receive her high school diploma from Webster Groves High School in Webster Groves, MO, graduating magna cum laude. The walk from kinder to senior has been full of beauty, mountains, valleys, laughter and tears. It has been one of the deepest joys of my life to walk through life with this incredible young lady.

The first time I saw her, after just 3 1/2 hours of labor, she captured my heart. Her tan skin and curly black hair were so beautiful. I took her sweet little hand in mine and have watched it grow, as her Daddy and I have walked with her through the adventures and challenges of growing up. We've navigated the beach, many different schools, new friendships, a baby sister, new churches, mean girls, thoughtless boys, being lost in SAM's, learning to ride a bike, having a relationship with Jesus, homework challenges, clothes not made for tall girls, learning to drive, laughing 'til we cry, and choosing a college. It's amazing to look at her now and see God's hand on her life. He has been walking this journey with her too.

As she embarks on a new adventure in life, studying Elementary Education at Dallas Baptist University, I'm excited for her. I look forward to watching her grow into a young adult who cares for others, serves those around her and makes a difference in the world. I know the impact she has will be far reaching.

I will always enjoy holding her hand and walking with her, even if only in my heart.

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is always a bitttersweet day for me. I love what it stands for - celebrating the joy of being a Mommy, which, next to being a wife, is my favorite thing to be. But it's a day that I miss my own Mommy just a little more than every other day. It's been almost 16 years  since my mom died. I miss her so much. She is such a huge part of the person and mommy I am today. As I think about Mom, and being a mom, I think about so many other special ladies who have impacted my life. So many moms who have also helped mold me into the person and mom I am today. I am thankful for them as well. I have many friends who share the difficulty of this day. Some for the same reason - they have lost their moms. Some for other reasons - they are struggling with the reality of not being able to become a mom. So I have many prayers today - prayers of happiness and thankfulness, prayers of sorrow and lament, prayers of desire and hopefulness.