Today is the 13th.

Some people find it unlucky.

But not me.

The 13th is the day God blessed me with the lifelong gift of being a Mom.

I was young and very inexperienced when she was born.

Neither of those two factors ever took away from the

HUGE responsibility I had been given to care for this tiny little life

and my duty to raise a healthy child who would grow to be

a young woman who knows the following truths:

LIFE IS NEVER FAIR

THE WORLD OWES YOU NOTHING

YOU MUST EARN YOUR OWN WAY

TRUST IS EASILY BROKEN AND SOMETIMES IMPOSSIBLE TO EARN BACK

ANY BOYFRIEND WHO ASKS YOU TO COMPROMISE YOUR MORALS IS UNWORTHY OF

YOU AND SHOULD BE DISCARDED IMMEDIATELY

NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES YOU GET KNOCKED DOWN GET BACK UP

AND DON'T GIVE UP

GOD LOVES YOU

AND SO DO YOUR DADDY AND I


I wrote her a poem for her birthday, rather than buy her a card.

I found out 3 days before her birthday that the reason I have had 4 miscarriages

is because it is genetically impossible for me to carry a baby past week 10.

For years I have harbored deep sorrow for the loss of those 4 babies.

I needed a HUGE reality check.

I was looking at my cup only 1/5th full.

My cup is OVERFLOWING WITH BLESSING.

18 years ago today I was given the biggest miracle ever and as so many do

take for granted that the next time will be just as easy.

I didn't KNOW THEN that she was a genetic miracle baby.

So my daughter is proof that miracles do sometimes happen.

Exactly 18 years ago

On this very day

I held my breath

As I heard them say

It’s a little girl

You must be thrilled

And in that moment

The tears that spilled

Then I began to count

Ten fingers, Ten toes

Two rosy little cheeks

One perfect button nose

I cherished every moment

Each day was something new

Baby Bop and Barney

Best friends when you were two

I loved to pick you up from school

And you'd tell me about your day

Then we'd rush to do your homework

So you could go and play

You've cheered and danced in Vegas

Fished in Alaska with your Dad

Picked potatoes with your Grandpa

All the adventures you have had!

Tomorrow begins your first big step

Towards being an adult

A path that's sometimes not so clear

So in case you lose your way,

Your map is in the bible

And I'm only a phone call away.

Happy 18^th Birthday

Kayla

Love forever,

Mom