When she was brought home, preparations were being made for Christmas.  She was due on Christmas Day, but surprised us by coming early.  We named her Joy Noel, not realizing just how much of a joy she would grow into.

As we attended Advent services on Wednesdays and Sundays, everyone wanted to take a peek at this sweet newborn, with such dark, black and thick hair.  She looked like an angel and fit right in as the children did their pageant, even though she wasn’t yet a part of it.  All the beautiful hymns seemed to reflect her name and since she was brand new, our son was convinced that one special one was sung just for her – O Come All Ye Faithful, With Joy full of cord.

She was the perfect baby – sleeping through the night right away.  She loved being sung to, read to and cuddled.  Then she turned two.  On that second birthday, her true personality was making its debut.  She was precocious, adorable, ticklish, mischievous and full of Joy.  Since she and her siblings weren’t too close in age, she grew up quickly.

Yet she loved to play and imagine all kinds of love stories with her Barbie dolls.  Since she was also turning into a beautiful young lady, she had a few young chaps chasing after her.  She never hesitated giving her phone number out, liked to play the field and was the cutest cheerleader on the team.

After high school she became a cosmetologist and I was always her guinea pig for new hair color and styles.  This didn’t remain a life long career, but no matter what she did, she always worked hard and was kind to everyone.

When she married the love of her life, I was so happy that she found a man that loved her as much as she loved him. He’s a great son-in-law.  About a year later, as she was doing my nails, she announced that she was going to have a baby.  I was not only surprise, but shocked.  I thought they might wait until they were a little more settled with each other first and financially sound. The thought of being a grandmother again, was also quite thrilling.  I prayed for a safe and healthy pregnancy and that God would strengthen them through it as they became a family.

When our granddaughter was born on December 23, it was almost like deja vu.  This adorable little doll was the spitting image of her mom.  Both sets of grandparents were there to celebrate.  Now that lovely young lady is preparing for her 16th birthday.

The passage of time allows me to pick out some of the beautiful memories of our family.  We’re pretty much like everyone else.  We love each other completely and we’ve got each others’ backs.  Joy was a surprise baby.  We thought we were finished having children.  I didn’t know if I would be a good mom at my advanced age of 30.  God always plants the right people in the right place at the right time.  I thank Him, daily, for the gift of children and grandchildren and grand dogs and grand cats, etc.  My cup runs over!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DAUGHTER, MY JOY!