Forever, For Always, No Matter What...

Today is my Rachel's 25th birthday. It's been a very bittersweet day remembering the years that have passed since I first held my beloved first child. I had dreamed about her, waited oh so not patiently for her, prayed for her safe arrival. She came; at 3:31 am, we missed the ward Halloween party and joyfully so. I was sure there had never been a more beautiful baby born, ever in the world. My mom, the veteran of thousands of births in over 40 years of labor and delivery, assured me that I was right, THIS was the most spectacular child ever, and she was mine.

Rachel Daron, 20 1/2" long, 7lbs. 14 oz of dreams and wishes. Things didn't quite turn out the way I planned, at least for this life. But now, 25 years later, I can begin to appreciate the bigger picture that I didn't or couldn't understand then. What she has missed here is so small to what she will have THERE. Sure, we have missed proms, dates, sleepovers, talking to her and even fighting with her, graduations and an earthly wedding. But how much more wonderful it will all be there!

We stood her up in the play pen, 20 months old, she didn't walk til she was almost six.

As I spent hours looking at pictures the past few days, I was struck by the great love that has surrounded this beautiful daughter of God. She has been loved and cared for by the most wonderful people. Pictures of you Erin and Brandi with her touch me to my core. You love her in the most pure way, selflessly. And more than that, you shared your lives with me, knowing how much I missed sharing all these experiences with Rachel. The day will come when she will thank you and tell you that she loved you too.

Roxy, Margo, Vicki, Pam, Marty, there are not words, but you know how we feel. Not only did you love Rachel, you included her always. You taught your children to love her and to not be afraid of differences. You prayed for her, you took care of her, you took care of me, her sometimes very sad mom. She will thank you some day, (after she looks in your purse Roxy for candy!) can I ever thank you enough?

Rachel's Baptism Day

I found pictures of Rachel with ALL her Grandparents, each of them looks so happy to be with her. Pictures of her nose to nose with her Great Grandma Westman. Pictures of her learning to take steps with Grammy. Pictures of her crying laying on Grandma Groseclose's shoulder, being comforted. Pictures of Grandma Rydalch giving her her first bath, all reminded me that she is a part of an eternal family that are all waiting for that first word of recognition and the exclamations of love.

Rachel always looks at her hand, we don't know why, but it cracks us up.

Rachel is the common denominator in our lives, she is the glue that holds us together and the reminder of eternal blessings. How thankful I am to have her, Forever, For Always, No matter what.

Heaven's Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from earth.
"It's time again for another birth"
Said the angels of the Lord above
"This special child will need much love
Her progress may seem very slow
Accomplishments she may not show
And she'll require much extra care
From all the folks she meets down there.
She may not laugh or run or play
Her thoughts may seem quite far away
In many ways she won't adapt
And she'll be known as handicapped.
So let's be careful where she's sent
We want her life to be content.
Please Lord, find the parents who
will do this special job for you
They will not realize right away
The leading role they're asked to play.
But with the child from Above
Comes stronger faith and richer love
And soon they'll know the privilege given
In caring for this gift from heaven~
This precious child meek and mild
Is heaven's very special child."

We as a family know the gift we have been given, and we are thankful for our beautiful Rachel.

Happy Birthday sweet girl.