1986 – I was one week into my 24th year when she showed up.   After the first TRUE labor pain I decided I didn’t REALLY want to be a parent.  Oh what I would have missed!  Charity was born early in the morning hours of September 13, 1986.

She was a tiny little thing – only 5 lbs and 7 oz.

When they handed her to me I didn’t have a clue about being a mother, I could barely take care of myself.

Three days later I walked out of that hospital with this adorable baby girl.  I learned to diaper, feed, love, and care for her.  We maneuvered through  toddlerhood, grammar school years and on to high school.  I’ve laughed over her, cried over her, wanted to pull my hair out over her and prayed over her.  And I still laugh, cry and pray over her today.

She’s grown from that little baby to an incredible woman.  She’s funny and loving. She’s smart and talented.  She loves her husband and her family.    She’s my favorite person to shop with and I love just hanging out with her.  She’s two years married and talking about becoming a Mom herself.

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It’s been an amazing journey this last 24 years and I can’t wait to see where the Lord leads her in the years ahead.

Happy Birthday Baby!