What? A post two days in a row?? I know…wonders may never cease! My baby girl, who I didn’t think even read my blog, called me, hurt, because I didn’t post on her 20th birthday. So, just in case you think your kids don’t read your blog, think again!

Awe.

Wonder.

Joy.

Laughter.

Heart-growth.

Hugs.

Whispers.

Smiles.

Pride.

These are a few of the things that filled that tiny room in the maternity wing of a Texas hospital in August of 1989. A mom, out of breath and covered in a sweaty sheen…a father, breathless himself, after their 8lb. 4oz. daughter made her debut. She made a hard, but fast entrance; so fast, that she bruised her perfect face on the way out. Yet, had anything ever looked so beautiful?

Those two young parents brought that little girl home and began the process of raising her up.

There were days when the tired mommy would hit the pillow at night, convinced she was the worst mother ever and wondering if they would ever make it through kindergarten, much less beyond!

But there were other days, more days, that were filled with…

Awe.

Wonder.

Joy.

Laughter.Heart-growth.

Hugs.

Whispers.

Smiles.

Pride.

Suddenly, she’s grown.

The bumps and potholes of raising a strong-willed little firecracker have faded into the shadowy images of years gone by. There exists now a strong young woman; still a firecracker, but now exploding with life, dreams, plans, loyalty…love. Now, when the older mommy hits her pillow at night, she thinks of the young woman hitting her own pillow in another city, curled up with a little puppy, and she’s filled with…

Awe.

Wonder.

Joy.

Laughter.

Heart-growth.

Hugs.

Whispers.

Smiles.

Pride.

That mother falls asleep, content, knowing that the next 20 years and beyond will be filled with more of the same.

P.S. I promise to never miss another birthday blog, sweet E, if you’ll promise to keep visiting over here. :o) Oh, how I love you!