Monday, November 19, 2007

5 years ago

About this time five years ago I was recovering from one of the most exhausting and rewarding experiences of my life: giving birth. I was in labor for 2 days, pushed for 3 hours, and was finally blessed with the sweetest, most beautiful newborn baby girl I had ever seen. All of our family was there – those who couldn’t be in the room had their ears to the door – and within hours of Alyssa’s arrival we had dozens of friends stop by to see this precious gift. Dan and I were overwhelmed by the love demonstrated to us by so many of those close to us, but even more in awe of this tiny little body God had entrusted to us! Looking back at pictures she was as funny looking as most brand-new babies are (especially those who have spent that amount of time in the birth canal!), but I thought she was the most gorgeous thing I had ever seen. I couldn’t wait to get her home, dress her up, take her out, and show the world what an incredible gift we had been given. But as proud I was of her that day, I am infinitely more proud of her on this day. She has already proven herself to be a beautiful young lady, inside and out. Her confidence in who she is and what she knows is both admirable and humorous (Daddy thought he would have at least a few more years before his little girl would start correcting him). Her love for her siblings and cousins is evident in the way she talks about, shares, and serves them (though you shouldn’t think that means they don’t bicker!). Just as all parents think their children are brilliant, I’m convinced she is, but more importantly Alyssa loves to learn, is respectful of her teachers, and is anxious to soak up the truth of the Scriptures. Alyssa exhibits care in her appearance and loves to dress up, but isn’t affected or afraid to play in the dirt. She is excitable about something like a birthday party, but patient and humble when it has to be postponed as a result of the Family Plague. Many of my own character qualities are bound up in this little life, but she has enough of her daddy in her to make her incredibly likeable. Already I admire the lady I see emerging from the precious girl God allows me to mother. Already I am thankful for the pain of that day 5 years ago, and the indescribable joy He has brought to our lives as a result. Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

This makes me cry, because that joy has been bestowed upon Dad and me for the second generation. We thought we could love no one as much as our own children, but God has blessed us with a love for our grandchildren which we could never have imagined. As we quote so often from III John 4..."I have no greater joy than to know my children walk in truth." We have seen you grow in your love for our Lord and, now, are passing it along so lovingly to your own children. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful journey. God Bless our "big" 5 year-old Alyssa, and God Bless her family--every one!!

Love, Papa and Gaga

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALYSSA...I WISH WE WERE THERE TO CELEBRATE YOU AND PAPA'S BIG DAY. RIGHT NOW IT IS SNOWING AT MY HOUSE AND I'M NOT SURE I LIKE IT. GUESS I'M NEVER READY. IT DOES LOOK PRETTY THOUGH AND I JUST THREW APPLES IN THE YARD FOR THE DEER TO EAT. COME AND SEE US. LOVE, COUSIN GAIL

Julie said...

Happy Birthday Alyssa! Laura, you are so right, Alyssa is one of the sweetest little girls I have met. I love her spirit! You are doing a wonderful job raising her (and I guess you too Dan). Have a wonderful day! Julie

Dania Efird said...

Thank you so much for the encouraging words! Our son turns 7 next month. It's crazy how the time has flown by. I can't believe how he has beyond exceeded my expections of him already! Happy Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

We're so glad everyone is feeling better and able to celebrate this big day! Happy birthday to sweet Alyssa. We love you guys!