The Bug is 15!!

Happy birthday to our firstborn! Can't fathom how quickly the last 15 years have flown by! It truly boggles my mind when I look back at all you've endured in your life. You are the image of a fighter and one of my greatest inspirations and joys! There aren't words to adequately express how much I adore you--you are a gift I didn't earn or deserve, but God saw fit to allow me to be your mother. He knew it before time began...and that always brings a sense of awe to my heart.

One of the songs on the slideshow of memories from the past year is "Still", by Steven Curtis Chapman. The words paint a perfect picture of the battles that you face and the beauty found in them. "It's been beautiful and terrible, more painful, more wonderful than I ever could have known. But even so, STILL, I'm gonna sing about the One who's given life to me. His love is unchanging, His grace is amazing, STILL, I'm gonna praise the only One who always stays the same, I know He is good, I know he is faithful, STILL."

That line encapsulates your life, my beautiful girl. Life has been so terribly beautiful because of you. We've had questions and still do--but we've never doubted that you were a divine gift and perfectly made in His image. You are without a doubt one of my greatest teachers, my most precious gifts, and will always be the girl who made me a mother. I am praying that today is a good day--and that even though you may not recognize that it is in fact your birthday--you'll feel all the love everyone has for you!

We love you! Happiest 15th birthday!