7/9/2002. I say that date all year long. Today is Anna’s 24th birthday. We went to a needed doctor’s visit at 8 am, then went to Target (Anna loves to shop). I got her some new shorts and T-shirts. The thing most Warrior moms have tons of but still like to buy is clothes. Then we went to The Henry Ford Museum/Village together. It was hot, but we had fun. Her older sister said she wanted to see her, so she came to visit. Anna got to see Elsie, too. We are going to have some more birthday fun all weekend, car trips, visits to my high school friend’s house, and lots of girl time. And yes, more shopping!
As I was driving around today, it hit me. It hit me hard. I had to concentrate on driving.
What if you knew this day, what if 24 years ago, when the unthinkable happened, when she was born, you could have known life would be so kind to you and her? What if someone said to me, “The next decade will cut deep, the trials and the unknowns will nearly kill you. The heartache will feel deep at times, linger for days. There will be many who understand and many who don’t. You will get used to the “different” that you are. You will leave her father and meet a man who will care not only for her but also for all your children. There will be this day, 24 years exactly from now, that you will have softened and accepted. You will have laughed at the silly things she gives you that you never knew you needed. You will celebrate her 24th year, and she will be ALIVE! You will get to keep her this long. You will have a day filled with joy and awe that she is who she is, and you will be proud of her and those who have supported her. You will be smiling and feeling so much gratitude for this day, for this wonderful and difficult life. You will get this day that she is 24.”
A day that has been given to Anna. The big gift that she is able to turn 24 years old did happen. Someone above knew this. I am so lucky to have this opportunity. I am grateful, pleased, and very humbled by this day.
And thank you to her supporters. And many birthday wishes via texts! Anna received gifts from both grandparents and her siblings, and she was able to get the swing that she enjoyed in North Carolina, which hangs in our living room for her to enjoy. It’s been a fabulous and extraordinary day for Anna. The star of this day.
Thank you for Reading our Blog.
Happy birthday Anna! No one but God could have known the road you had ahead of you- led to through so much pain but look at you both! And you know that God wanted you together with Paul and to become the family you are today! So blessed to have met you and this never would have happened without sweet Anna! I thank God for your beautiful daughter- she led me to you!