29 years!

Today is Melissa's 29th birthday.
In so many ways it doesn't seem possible.
Where did the years go?
Has that much time passed?

And in so many other ways, I can't remember life without her. It seems like yesterday I was 19 and expecting my first baby.
I was young enough to not be scared.
I believed I could handle anything.

Sometimes that might be the best way to go through life;
not fully knowing whats ahead so that one can believe anything is possible.

29 years ago, when Melissa was born, I was working full time and helping Jeff through school.
We could only afford 2 weeks off before I would have to head back to work.

I was blessed to be supported by so many loving and experienced parents.
My mom agreed to watch Melissa for the first few months of her life while I worked.
I don't know what I would have done otherwise.


Before we could turn around she was in grade school and seemed so grown up.

Melissa had all the characteristics of a first born: determined, competitive, assertive, very energetic and ambitious.

There was no telling Melissa 'no'.

And before we knew it she was graduating.

Our oldest was leaving home.

We wondered if we had done enough.

Or if what we had done was good enough.

Melissa has grown into a beautiful young woman, wife, mother, and educator. By the Grace of God I think as parents we did a fair job.



I don't have words to express how proud I am of Melissa and all our kids.
But there is something about watching your child become a parent, and parent young ones even better than you believe you yourself have done that is amazing.




Amazing,
and incredible,
and well....
like watching a miracle take place right before you.


This past year Melissa got her Masters degree! I admire my daughter so much for that. I know how hard school is while working and parenting. I wasn't able to do all three. But Melissa did! Maybe it was the 1st born characteristics that helped. I also realize how supportive her husband must be to give her the time, encouragement, and love it takes to accomplish this.

Melissa I wish you a very Happy Birthday and all the blessings you deserve!