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Dear Lia

Dear Sweet Lia,

Tomorrow you turn 1.  I can hardly believe it.  You have taught me more in the last year than in all of my 28 years combined. In your 365 days on this planet, you have been through more than I will ever have to go through in my lifetime.  You have taught me to be brave.  Sometimes when I get nervous or scared about something, I think of all the pain you have been through, and how brave you were.  Your courage helps me get through life's challenges.  You have taught me not to sweat the small stuff.  When you wake up 3 times a night, I think about how I'm just glad your here to cry. When you pull everything out of the drawers, I am happy your here to make messes.  When you drive your brother crazy, I'm glad he's got a sister.  You have shown me how strong I am.  I never in my wildest dreams imagined the feeling of fear I felt the first few months your life brought.  Nothing was more scary than standing over you as a machine did all your breathing, as scary as seeing your beating heart underneath that bandage with your chest cut open, and as scary as knowing that it would be my job to take care of you.  I realize now, looking back, that I can do anything, with God's help, and I will survive.  You have taught me that doctors and nurses are heroes.  A nurse discovered your murmur.  A cardiologist discovered your defects.  Surgeons and nurses saved your life, Lia.  I am forever grateful for all the hands you've passed through.  You taught me that I married the right guy.  Your Daddy is one of the main reasons I survived those dark hours.  He was the positive when I was negative.  He was my hand-holder, shoulder to cry on, arms to collapse into, endless coffee fetcher. My rock.  You helped us discover a bond we never realized we had. 

Your infectious smile gets me through the day, Lia.  I love your laugh.  I love watching you sleep.  You are my little miracle, and I love you.  I thank God everyday for you, Jack, and Daddy.

Well, girl, we survived the first year, here's to many many many more.  Happy birthday to my Lil' Mama!

Love, Mommy

My newborn.

My 1 year old!


Comments

Ashley Hockman said…
Yep, I'm now crying at my desk! Beautiful words Ashley! It's been a privilege to follow your family's story. Happy Birthday Lia!
March 26, 2013 at 10:05 AM
Dawn said…
There are no words to describe how beautiful that was!
March 26, 2013 at 6:52 PM
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