When I became pregnant with our first child, the doctor had me convinced I was going to have a boy.  There were no ultrasounds then, so it was by guess only.  When she arrived, I was under the influence of anesthetic and saw her dangling umbilical cord.  I didn’t believe that she wasn’t a boy.  I thank God every day for the gift of my Amy.  She was the perfect child. At least in her siblings’ opinions.

It wasn’t only because she was first, but she was smart, beautiful, caring, loved to laugh and made everyone feel important –  quite a lot to live up to.  As a toddler, she enjoyed tossing apples for the dog to catch.  She loved books and would sit for hours, thumbing through the pages.  Her love for learning, led to a beautiful mind.  When her brother was born, he became her constant companion and playmate.   Her creative side eventually took her to the world of interior design and that has become her life’s occupation.

Eighteen months later, our son, Bob, was born. He became a chip off the old block and even resembles his dad as he grows older. Bob was born at 3 AM a couple days after April Fool’s Day. Glad he didn’t have to spend his birthday by being pranked. He followed in dad’s footsteps when it came to hunting, hiking, fishing, anything outdoors. He also has a great sense of humor. When tensions flared, he would have a joke for that. He also became an Ad Man in his father’s employ. He learned much about the business, how to create solutions for clients and how to reach into his creative mind.

When he was a kid, he would bring all sorts of critters into the house, like toads, snakes, caterpillars, bugs of many sizes and shapes. One day he appeared at the front door with (what appeared to be) a ten-foot snake who was obviously digesting a tasty morsel in its bulging middle. After peeling me off the ceiling, he said, “Don’t worry, mom. It’s dead.” I knew better. The snake proved to be very much alive.

Our second daughter came at the end of the line.  I was 30.  It was almost unheard of to have a child at that age, but she didn’t know that.  I was now considered a “seasoned” mom, so God wanted to shake me up a little.  This darling little, black haired, beauty seemed to be a carbon copy of Amy with hair but also gave us a run for my money.  She slept through the night immediately.  Her little hands were dimpled and chubby and her face like an angel.  Everyone thought she was wearing a wig, because she had so much hair.  Eventually, she became a hair stylist.  Today she works in the mortgage business, is capable, has strong business skills and is respected in her field.

Once she turned two, a new child emerged.   She had an inquisitive nature.  She investigates areas she shouldn’t.  She’s the one who spray painted our golden retriever blue – sat on her brother’s pet duck squashing the life out of it –  broke a guitar in the same way – made me wonder what happened to that sweet, helpless individual in the crib. As a teen, she threw caution to the wind, but became an amazing woman.

Both my daughters have blessed us with grandchildren. I’ve seen them struggle with discipline, behavior problems, language issues, strong wills, attitude and a whole slew of things that parents deal with every day.  I’ve seen the result of their love, through their children, who are becoming responsible young adults.

When we become parents, we never know where it will take us, but God has it all laid out.  Trusting His direction will lead to His blessings.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR MY CHILDREN.