The Girl I Had Been Hoping For

I can't believe that it has been 32 years since you stole my heart. I didn't have the luxury of ultrasounds to tell me what gender I was having. But I had 2 great boys and I really, really wanted a little girl and there you were with your big eyes and head of dark hair. How could I help but give you my heart? When they got us back to our room I had to unwrap you and make sure you were the girl I had been hoping for. You were then and you still are--THE GIRL I HAD BEEN HOPING FOR.

You fit so easily into our home because you were so good---The calming effect in a house of boys. You were the peacemaker from the get go. And loved music from day one. You whistled around the house from the time you were able to walk. You sat and listened to daddy's stereo through those huge head phones from the time you could hold them on your head.

You have always been "my hero" You have accomplished things I would never even attempt. You will probably not understand how proud I am of you until your girls fulfill your dreams for them. And that is just what you have done for me. Fulfilled every dream I ever had for you--a college education, a mission (I didn't even know that was one of my dreams), a temple marriage, the cutest little family that is being raised in a Christ-centered home. What more could I ever ask or hope for? You have struggled through some personal trials and have come out on top. You are my right arm, my rock and my strength and I love you more than life itself.

Thank you for being that girl I had been hoping for and more.
Happy Birthday, Butterfly!!!!