Today is my older daughter Mariels 21st birthday. Its amazing how our kids grow up so quickly. This is what I wrote on her timeline: Happy 21st birthday, anak. I am amazed that 21 years has gone so quickly and yet, thinking back on you as a little girl seems like a lifetime ago. On this special day, I just want you to know that you and your siblings are all the unforgettable of the past (good and bad), the precious memories of the present, and the promise of a wonderful future. I hope all 3 of you realize how much Dad and I love you and that feeling of love stays in your hearts all throughout your lives. I know we can be hard on you sometimes. Its our job as parents to prepare you as best as we can for what life brings. Our thinking is, if we are hard on you, when life gets hard, you will be able to handle it. We do have faith in you that you will be able to handle anything and everything that life brings you, with grace and dignity. That is not to say that you will not make mistakes as we all do, but you will shake them off and keep moving forward. As long as you make Jesus the center of your life, you will get through difficult times. He will shield you from pain and heartache that everyone has to have in life, when Dad and I cant. Your life is yours to live, not ours. Dont worry, as you have Jesus to guide you and He will make things that seem to be the scariest and hardest, not define you but refine you. All Dad and I can do is love you and have faith in you, the way we love and have faith in your siblings, that you have that inner strength that God has created in you. Lovingly yours, Mom
Posted on: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 03:08:55 +0000