Four Years Ago Today

Four years ago today, someone very special was born...

and the world is better for it.

Four years ago today, I was praying for you...

even though I did not know you.



Four years ago today, you were a miracle in so many ways...

even those around you must have felt it.

Four years ago today, a prayer was beginning to be answered...

but we did not know it yet.

Four years ago today, a beautiful girl, with a headfull of dark brown hair, and beautiful tan skin, and intriquing hazel eyes, entered this world.

God already had a plan for this precious girl.

God already had put her in the heart of a momma...and the rest of her family.

Four years ago today, I did not know you yet.  I wish I had been there.  But we can't go back.  And besides, God took care of you better than I could have.  He put you in a home of people who cared for you and loved you until I could get to you.

My sweet Erika.  It is a joy to celebrate your birth today.  I am soooo glad you were born.  I am so glad that every day you make me smile laugh.  You challenge me in ways I never could have known, but you are worth it.  You are smarter than any girl I know.  God gave you an amazing brain.  Always use it.  It will get you far.  You are a fighter.  That is why you are here.  You fought for life...and you won.  You are beautiful.  People everywhere notice.  I thank your birthparents for that.  And that they chose life for you, even though they couldn't keep you.  God, please bless them for that.

I am thankful, Erika, that you fulfill my dream of three children.  Not just the number, but the chaos, and closeness, and busyness that goes with that.  I don't mind the extra laundry, or extra scoop of rice, or one more person to buy gifts for...I love those things.  I love what you add to this family.  I love that your sister prayed just as much for us to get you as I did.  I love that you stole your big brother's heart the first time he met you.  I love that you are my constant company, even when the big kids are gone.  I love the way your daddy is so proud of you, that he wants everyone to also see how special you are.

Erika, I pray that this fourth birthday is so special for you.  You were born at a busy time of year, but I never want it to be too busy for you to be celebrated.

And let me end with one last story...

A couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with this girl...

Me: Erika, do you know why we celebrate Christmas?

Erika:  Well, we like to see the lights, open presents, be with our family.

Me:  Erika, all those things are nice, but do you know the meaning, why we do those things?  What special baby was born at Christmas?

Erika:  Oh, I know....ME:)

And of course, I explained we don't celebrate it for her, even though she is so special, but for Jesus.

Happy 4th Birthday, Princess Erika