Her Birthday

My oldest daughter is celebrating her birthday today....I can't believe she's turning 22!!! It's hard to believe that it's been that long since I first held that very tiny baby (just 6.5lbs) in my arms. I can't forget those wrinkled, tiny hands of a very fragile new born baby. I couldn't help but think about how my life has changed from that moment on. I remember her birth as vividly as if it happened yesterday...but all those years in between seemed like centuries ago. Which made me to ponder how very short life is and so I have to enjoy it with my daughters as much as possible.

Even if they grew up practically without a father, they are strong, smart and wonderful daughters any mother could ask for. I've truly enjoyed being blessed enough to experience them becoming a young woman right before my eyes. I hope that I'll be able to share something about one of my fondest memories of them as a little girl in comparison to one of my fondest memories from them when they're old. I'd include something about how I hope that they never stop working to achieve their goals & aspirations... and being the sappy person that I am, I'd probably include a line or two of the song "Climb Every Mountain". My daughters are 22 and 19-year old right now... and each time I hear that song I get teary eyed thinking about the challenges we went through when they were still little girls and I was both a father & a mother to them. I wish for them to be strong to overcome obstacles and trials in finding their dreams and I pray for them to have a successful life and beautiful future.

I could not think of a better way to celebrate my daughter's birthday than thanking God for the blessings of good health and for the gift of life.

Chelle! I love you so much, and I am so proud of you. You have become a kind, sweet soul and a strong young woman, Yes baby you're still young. I couldn't have asked for a better daughter and I don't know what I did to deserve great kids like you and Rhea. We do everything together, shopping, driving, travelling, laughing and crying. We tell each other almost everything. I hope in all your endeavors, God will look after you and take care of you. I love you, Rhea loves you. HAPPY Birthday precious one..I hope that your day is perfect and everything you wished it would be!!!