Stephanie's Birthday

Today, in 1978, I was preparing to go into the hospital to give birth to our 3rd child. Harry had gone to work, Deanna was in school, Melissa was playing in the living room, and I was in the bathroom wondering if I was just peeing, or if my water had broken...

I called my cousin David's wife, Mimi, and she was able to watch Melissa so I could visit my doctor to see what was going on. I was very close to my due date, so we were pretty sure today was the day.

To make a long story short, after a day of organizing children's care, house needs, etc., I entered the hospital, was prepped, and laid around several hours until push came to shove! And then I was holding my beautiful baby girl, Stephanie Marie. She was healthy, had all fingers and toes she was supposed to have, and was, like I just said, beautiful!

The new chapter of our lives was being written as we lived each day with our girls. Watching them grow; frustrations, joys, sorrow, happiness, worries, peace; the many emotions we went through watching our children develop into young women were part of our lives as parents and we embraced them and made them a part of our history.

We have been through many chapters with these three women and the book is still being written.  This year, today, we went through our daily routine of getting Stephanie and Kara out the door for work and school.

I was driving Kara to her school when I realized I had not told Stephanie happy birthday. The feeling of sorrow was so strong in me. It's not that we have forgotten her birthday. How could I ever forget?

Because of the activities that take place every Tuesday, we decided to celebrate Stephanie's birthday yesterday. When we picked up Kara from school, we went to WalMart and bought a few presents and the makings for Stephanie's favorite meal. I make round steak in brown gravy with rice and green beans. Harry and Kara made a brownie cake. Melissa helped Kara wrap the presents.

Stephanie came home surprised that we were celebrating that night, but she had a good evening. The food was very good (even if I say so myself), we sang happy birthday and ate the brownie, took pictures, and Steph opened her presents and liked what she got!

So, this morning, knowing it was her birthday, eating a birthday brownie for breakfast, and packing her lunch with leftovers from her birthday dinner,  I still did not speak the words... and we need to hear the words spoken...

So, to my dear daughter on her birthday...I love you so much. We have enjoyed you for 33 years and pray the Lord blesses us with so many more. We hope your day will be filled with happiness (even though you have to work). God bless you with His riches. Know you are loved.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEPHANIE!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEPHANIE! 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STEPHANIE!