Number Five

I'm sitting here at 12:30 in the morning knowing that I should get to sleep because we have a busy day ahead of us. It is Alainna's fifth birthday. Five. It seems unbelievable and believable at the same time. Thinking back over the past five years, how much I've changed, how much Eric has changed, how much our family has changed.

Lately, before she goes to bed, Alainna wants me to tell her the story about the night she was born. Sometimes I grumble about it (mainly because I tend to add every detail of the 8 hours or so before she was born), but I've started to realize how important the story is to her. I've also realized how many values that Eric and I try to teach all three kids are incoporated into that very story. Eric with me at the hospital the entire time, the presence of our family when we had to make tough decisions about what direction to take with the birth, the annointing I received right before heading into the delivery room, and my first words to my dear, sweet, Alainna. She takes in every word of the story, sometimes reminding me if I "forgot" a part, or asking for further clarification about a detail (which she usually knows the answer to, but just wants me to include in my narrative).

On this, the occasion of your fifth birthday, my prayer for you is that you never forget how much you are loved. Stay close to the Lord - He will never leave your side. Remember to look out for those less fortunate than you - we're all in this together. Love your life. And never forget my unconditional, constant love for you.

Happy Birthday, Alainna.

Love,
Mom