Wednesday, September 30, 2009

13 years ago...I received a beautiful gift.

My firstborn was born 13 years ago. This precious bundle, with a head full of dark hair and a cry you could hear in the next state, became the love of my life. A scared, first time mommy, I was in love. She became my "baby doll" and I adored her.

She has led me on a merry chase through the years, for my girl is full of spunk, mixed with stubbornness, with a side order of adventure. She was NEVER still, NEVER quiet and NEVER wrong, or so she thought. The toddler years were tough, often being a battle of wills. I've always said that God has great plans for my little girl.

She loves music, all things Oriental and is crazy about soccer. She would have a house full of animals if I would let her and she is constantly drawing or writing stories. She is for now, and I hope it stays that way, known as the "nice girl" or "every one's friend" at school. I can't be disappointed with that. She is not afraid to stand up for her opinions and beliefs, she roots for the underdog and doesn't have to always follow the crowd. She is a deep thinker, a dreamer and a compassionate old soul at times. Can you tell that I am just a little proud?
I know the years ahead will have a few rocky patches, for I've never met a teenager who didn't attempt to spread their wings and demand independence before parents are ready, but for now I am going to soak in the beautiful relationship we do have.

So, as I am typing this, I have a few tears. I can't believe how the years have flown by. I look at my daughter now and search for my baby girl, for she is now a young lady. Among the hormonal outbursts, acne and bad hair day meltdowns, is a butterfly emerging from the cocoon. I just know in my heart she is going to be beautiful woman...
Thank you, Lord for Kayla. She is definitely one of the most precious gifts I have ever been given.

A few years ago, I was at youth camp and the worship leader had written a beautiful song for his baby girl. I have always felt like he was writing the words of my heart.

Be A Father To Her

When I see the light in her baby blue eyes
every star up in the sky begins to fade
When I hear her giggle or smell her soft sweet hair
My whole world unravels everyday.
But how can I protect her in a world that's gone wild
I can't seem to find the strength when I look inside of me
Lord I must release her into your tender care.
Will you hold her in your arms
As you hear this humble prayer?

As you are a father to me, be a Father to her
As you are a Savior to me, be a Savior to her
Let your light shine down on her, like You are shining down on me
Will you be a father to her as you are to me.

I'd thought I'd seen beauty, till I saw her first smile
And it warmed my heart like nothing else
When I see her in the morning, right before she wakes
Something in my soul begins to melt.
I know I can't save her from this life full of pain
But I would gladly take her place and every tear I would erase
Lord, I know you love her with a love so divine
For you sent your son to die, so she could know your life
Be a Father to her...
- Joel Engle


Happy Birthday, Kayla! We love you very much!



HELP! Is she really 13?!!!

Pray for me...

14 comments:

Christi @ Writing the Waves said...

She is blossoming into a beautiful young lady.

I know how heart-wrenching it is to see them growing up...hence, baby #3!!! :)

Hope her big 13 is wonderful!

He & Me + 3 said...

You have a teenager. Yikes. Happy Birthday Kayla! She is just beautiful! That song is awesome.

Jim said...

Sis,
AND KAYLA,
I think of you and think of my GRANDPA NAME - POOHPA! Yep, you are the one that gave it to me and it has stuck through the whole tribe of grands! Thanks! I like it. I have not heard of any others who have it. I'm unique - but then, you are one of a kind, too!
You're special!

You're special, dear Kayla,
You're a talented "grand"
You're a daughter that's loved
By your whole fam'ly's clan!

You're unique, grand "d" Kayla,
You're one of a kind
You're a sister to a brother
That deep down knows you're fine.

You're priceless, young lady Kayla
Your qualities, too many to name
You'll be winning the hearts
Of many it's plain.

You're thirteen today,
Oh Kayla, don't rush
Don't grow up too fast
And leave all of us in the dust!

Happy Birthday on this
YOur special arrival day
When for the first time you're a "teener"
With many more years on the way.

Love,
Poohpa

Manuela said...

Your post is so sweet!!!! Happy Birthday to your daughter!

Blessings,
Manuela

Heart2Heart said...

Mich,

I am giving you a hug right now as you read this. Yes, they grow up so quickly in front of your eyes. Based on your birthday tribute to Kayla however, you've done an amazing job at helping her become the woman she is destined to be.

Please pass along my birthday blessings for her!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Manuela said...

Thank you so much for your comment on my blog! :-)

Blessings,
Manuela

Five Moms & A Blog said...

Good to know that other wives and moms hate to Iron. I am not alone! Yee Haw!
Thanks for the comment on the 5 moms. Made me feel better. I am in good company:)
Mimi

Christine said...

What a great tribute to your "Teenaged" daughter.

Angie said...

What a beautiful girl, inside and out.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

"a merry chase"... I like that! Your daughter is lovely and will continue to be a source of blessing for you as the days unfold. I imagine there will be some rocks in the road as you go along, but honestly, don't expect them. Kids don't have to grow up wild; they and you can navigate these teenage years with a measure of grace and purity and come out on the other side of it all in tact! I've raised two; now raising two more. Praying for continuing good and godly results in the lives of all my children.

peace~elaine

Kristin said...

What a beautiful post and a beautiful song too! Happy Birthday Kayla! There's nothing more special than the love a mother has for her child.

Amber said...

I love that girl.
It just doesn't seem possible that 13 years are already gone.
Ugh.

christy rose said...

Happy 13th birthday to Kayla! She is just beautful! That is a beautful song too. I know how it feels to watch teenagers flash before my eyes. When did it happen? How did it happen? Why did it have to happen? LOL These are questions that I found myself saying as they became so adult looking before my eyes. My second daughter, Olivia, just turned 13 too, on Sept 25. I'll pray for you. Please pray for me too. She is my 3rd teen to arrive in the Rose household. HAHA

Anonymous said...

Beautiful girl, beautiful song! I hope she had a great birthday.