Twenty-two years ago, while our troops were busy with missiles on the other side of the world, I gave birth to my own Kimmie Belle. And even though there was nothing on tv except for news about the military event, life was good.
Britti (as she was known most of the time back then) became a big sister. Life changed for her.
David and I now had two daughters. Life changed for us.
Cecily, Pat, Jon, Jamie, and Joel got to see their little baby from day one. And, I'll just go ahead and be so bold as to say life changed for them as well.
My mom (and dad) were hundreds of miles away, and missing out on this moment...as a mother of adult daughters, I can now catch a glimpse of how difficult that must have been for her. I look to the future and think: hmm...how many weeks ahead of their due dates do I plan on going where my kiddo lives...how expensive is this trip going to be (because even though we love each other fiercely, i am smart enough to know that none of my children need me under their roof 24/7 for weeks...maybe one of those vacation rentals will work...but I got off track...the point is, there were grandparents and aunts and uncles far away who were celebrating Kim's birth and so very anxious for the first time they'd meet her.
(that would be about three months later)
In heaven, where spirits are waiting for their turn to come to earth, Jaycey was probably already missing her Kimbo.
And little did he know, but Doug's future daughter was breathing air for the first time. He didn't even know that a piece of his heart had started her earthly journey a few states away.
Point being...this little beautiful baby, all 6 pounds 13 ounces of her, with gorgeous skin and all that hair (!) was instantly so very important to a heck of a lot of people. And she still is. She doesn't need to prove anything to us. She doesn't need to be anyone but herself. She's just our Kim and she is loved by many.
But...let me tell you...this young woman that is my daughter is just a wonderful person.
She was a sweet little girl. She is a tender strong woman.
She is learning to draw her lines and stand firmly by them...and that it's okay to proclaim that she's done being nice every once in awhile.
She inherited every bit of her parents' need for solitude, but recognizes when it's necessary to put that aside for the people that matter to you.
She is forgiving. Wonderfully so. We don't have to forget, but even if there is still pain, she gives you the room to err and learn your life lesson crap.
She doesn't give herself enough credit.
She is beautiful. Inside and out.
She is kind...She is smart...She is important...
I miss seeing her face every day.
I am so very grateful for the time I got to spend with her when I went to Utah...she gave me time and energy even when she was ready to go have alone time...I appreciate that. I appreciate her going out of her way for my own particulars and taking care of my room and making home touches before I check in each time.
I cannot give her due here. But I hope she realizes that she is loved and thought of and prayed for every day. I wouldn't trade her for anything. I wouldn't change her for anything. And I look forward to seeing what she does with this next year in her life.
I hope she has far more awesome and incredible and growing moments than the negative parts of life.
Twenty-two...my baby is 22...here is the moment it happened:
That whole circle of life thing is amazing...day by day speeds by and here she is.
Love you Kimberly.
With all my heart and soul.
Happy Birthday!!!
1 comment:
I remember the first time I saw her! She was sleeping in her car seat, and I had to wait for her to wake up to get her out. It seemed like a long time!
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