Being a grandmother is one of God’s greatest blessings.  He gifted us with our Kaeli, sixteen years ago today.  She has been a winner from the beginning.  When I first held her in my arms, I knew that she was going to be an amazing woman some day, and because she walks with God, I am assured that is true.

Most teenagers go through so much turmoil – making the right choices – rebellion against anyone older than they are – and determining what their future holds.  That’s a lot for a sixteen year old to absorb in such a short time. Add to that the fact that they now live in adult bodies, with hormones raging and emotions high.  The numbers of those who feel hopeless or helpless are on the rise and suicide becomes the answer for them.

This girl is right at the high point of being a teen.  All those things contribute to who she is and how she reacts to the world around her.  She has shown that she has great leadership skills, she loves to perform on the stage, she loves her animals, she has chosen to teach special needs children after graduation from college.  She has involved herself in church activities as a Sunday school teacher and helper with other things at church.  She loves the Lord and has pledged to be His child, through her baptism and confirmation.  Her Confirmation verse is John 3:16 and even though I don’t remember my own – that one will be a part of her for the rest of her life.

She has always loved being on stage and that’s where we became even more connected.  Being her grandma and director/teacher held the same kind of problems I had with my own children.  Suddenly I became something other than mother/grandma.  They had a hard time getting used to it.  We did so many plays together and our bond grew.  We spent a lot of time in a movie theatre and I sometimes fell asleep with chocolate melting on my clothing as she enjoyed the show.  She didn’t appreciate my snoring though.

This child has been a steady part of our lives since the day of her birth.  She makes us smile, laugh and sometimes we shed tears over her.  We pray for God’s protection over her and His constant intervention in her life.  We know she will succeed, because He is walking with her.  HAPPY SWEET SIXTEEN BIRTHDAY, KAELI, BUG!