Today you are 16. Wow! Happy, happy birthday, dear girl.
Since I was eight years old, all I’ve ever wanted to be was a mom. But you know that story. You know how long we waited. You know how excited we were to be chosen to be your parents. You know our grief when we had to give you back. You know our joy when you came back to us. Sometimes I think what is joy to us is great sadness for you.
I’m not your first mom. I’m your second. I’m not sure how happy you are about that these days. I’m sometimes asked if it’s hard not being your only mom. But with you and for you, I’ll be second any day. And today you have two moms thinking about you, praying for you, wanting God’s very best for you.
It’s been a bumpy year for us. A painful bumpy. This mother daughter thing doesn’t come easy for us. To be honest, some days I didn’t know if we would make it to 16. But you’re here and I’m here and we did. We made it. That’s something to celebrate!
You are stunningly beautiful.
You are smart.
You love people.
You are a good friend.
You are creative.
You are loved by many.
God has amazing plans for your life, and I get a front row seat.
I love you, Amanda Brown – when it’s easy and when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard.
