Happy Birthday Mandy

Today my oldest child, my miracle child, turns 22. From the time I was a little girl, all I wanted to be was a mom. When I was told at 18 that I could never have children, I was devastated. But, God granted me the desire of my heart and 11 years later He blessed me with Mandy.

Where has the time gone? I remember so clearly her bright blue eyes looking up at me as if I had all the answers to life's problems. I remember her first day of preschool, climbing on that big yellow bus that was taking her away from me and telling me not to cry.

I remember her lunch dates with my dad when he would take her to Perkins for pancakes. I remember watching "Wee Sing in Sillyville" over and over and over again. She knew all the words to all the songs and I loved watching her sing and dance.

I remember her first day of Kindergarten when she told me not to hug her in front of her friends. How did she grow up so fast? I remember how she couldn't wait to come home and tell me all about her day and what she had learned. I remember the days playing football with her dad and all the other neighborhood kids each night until it got too dark to see. She still is a marvelous quarterback.

She's grown up so fast but she is still my first baby; my miracle child. I love her, worry about her and pray for her every day. She has a kind and compassionate heart and a love for people that is so refreshing to see.

Happy Birthday Mandy. I love you.