My Heart Is Full

"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime!  Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning." -Psalm 30:5

A couple of weeks ago we celebrated Lily's first birthday.  I had no idea what to expect going into that day and what emotions I was going to feel.  Honestly, I was dreading the day but knew we had to face it.  I wanted everything to be normal...I guess we have a new normal now.  Michael and I both spent the day together, which was quite refreshing seeing how our schedules don't allow that to happen too often anymore.  In the evening we invited all of our family to spend time together at Pinchot.  It was beautiful!  We had a cookout and each person made a scrapbook page with some of their favorite pictures with Lily.  We wrote messages on pink balloons and released all twenty-four of them at dusk.  

The day turned out to be perfect.  There were only a few tears, the day was mostly filled with joy.  Joy, in the midst of suffering and heartache, can only come from Christ.  Our family took the time to remember all that our Lily Grace taught us and all those memories brought great joy.  

As mothers day is almost here, I want to say that I feel honored to have been Lily's mommy. I am thankful that one year ago I got to spend my first Mother's Day holding my baby girl.  This year I do have empty arms, but I want to tell you that my heart is full.  It is full of the richness that Jesus Christ, through Lily Grace, has given to me.  I loved that little peanut the only way I knew how, and I am grateful that I had the chance to do that.  I have also been blessed with not only a wonderful mother, but one whom I can call my best friend.  On Mother's Day, I want to thank her for all that she has done for not only me, but for our family and for Lily Grace.  She was absolutely wonderful and her support and love meant the world to both of us!  I love her with all my heart and I wouldn't trade her for the world!  

Love you mom, I know you are reading! :)  Happy Mother's Day!