To Cassie, on your 12th Birthday or A Mother's Blessing

Once upon a time, a young girl met a young boy and fell in love.  As the years passed, they got married and wanted to start a family.  As they waited and waited and waited and waited on this family, the girl prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed for the child that she would eventually have.  She prayed that her child would be smart, beautiful, healthy, love life, love God (well, when you're praying for 10 years, you end up asking for pretty much everything).  In God's timing, the couple found out they were going to have a child.  Panic set in when the girl found out she was going to have a baby girl.  You see, she always knew she was going to have boys.  For some reason, raising a girl seemed terrifying.  What if she was a girly girl?  What about those awful teenage years?  What if she grew to hate her mother?  But eventually, the overwhelming joy of the baby growing inside, overcame the panic of raising a daughter.

On August 13, 1998 at 11:48pm, you were born.  You were beautiful!  Your dad and I were in awe!  I can't put into words the mixture of joy, awe and pure panic that we were feeling when we took you home.  God has had His hand on you since you took your first breath.  He has guided your dad and I every single moment since He gave you to us.  He gave us patience during the colic, mercy when we almost lost you, forgiveness when we made mistakes, wisdom to deal with your struggles, compassion for your hurts and joy as we have watched you grow and learn.

Oh Cassie, you are JOY.  You are LOVE.  You are COMPASSION.  You are WISE beyond your years.  I look at you and see the person I want to be! 

My blessing for you is that God continue his mighty work in you.  That you will continuously seek His will. That everyone will look at you and be blinded by God's love shining through you.  I pray that you will find your passion in life and the courage to pursue it.  I pray that no matter where you go or what you do, that you never forget your biggest champions are at home rooting for you every step of the way. I pray that when you mess up or get lost, you will always find your way back home. 

Cassie, be strong and courageous.  Remember no matter where you go, do not be terrified; remember no matter your frustrations, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)

I love you, Cassafras.  Have a wonderful birthday!