A Very Special Day

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY DARLING AMANDA!

I don't know how to change the font on a blog post or use a color but, if I did, I'd make these words HUGE and BRIGHT RED so see them that way in your precious imagination.

Well, young lady, you surely did change your mother's life. After being told I'd have infertility problems and need surgery to correct some female issues, I thought marriage had made me physically ill as I stood over the toilet only two months after our wedding day. It had been the shock of my life. Oh, I do love your Daddy but, boy, were we young and, boy, were we dumb. I told your grandmother that I wasn't feeling well and thought marriage was not agreeing with me and she was the first to diagnose my delicate condition. And with great laughter and joy. She adored you, Honey. You came at a difficult time in my family's life (has there ever not been a difficult time, come to think of it??) like a daisy pushing its way up amid a heap of rubble. All sorts of broken pieces found their way back together somehow. We had someone to spoil. To laugh about. To tend to.

You stole all our hearts. So smart. So loving. You talked like an adult by the time you were two. My mom tried and tried to get you to say you loved her more than your other grandmother (shame on her!) but you wouldn't budge. You insisted that you loved everyone the same. But I know it wasn't true. You liked me best. Grin. You, Darling Child, were the most welcome shock this family has ever had. I have never loved a person on this earth more than you. Nothing has ever left me more defenseless. You inspire me, act silly with me, tickle me, and simply make me want to be a better woman. I am so proud of you. Of the woman of God you've become. Of the mommy you are. Of the friend you are. The SERVANT I see you becoming.

As your little sister often says, "You gotta love the Noogs." You will always be the Noogs to us. And who on earth knows why? Where do we get these ridiculous nicknames, anyway??

Happy Birthday, Darling. I wish so much I were home with you. Thank you for making room for me to be here in New England. I'll be home before you know it and we will celebrate...and shop, Baby. We will SHOP.

I.Love.You.With.All.My.Heart.
Mom


Noogs- I can't wait til we are all together and we can party it up! There is no one else like you. You're the only slightly sane one in our family. I am not sure where we would be without you. Not far, for sure. We love you madly! As this picture below symbolizes, I always have and always will look up to you. Love, your sister.