Twenty Years of Heaven Here on Earth

I remember the day she was born like it happened last week.  I returned home for the weekend to meet my brand new, and very first, niece.  Her mom and dad were beaming rays of sunshine, and as her mom placed her in my arms we both had tears of such great joy.  I held her, leaned down to smell her hair and I think I might have moaned.  The feeling of joy and tenderness was overwhelming.  This precious little girl was the great symbolization of heaven.  In our life, we were given this beautiful gift.

It has been twenty years.  Happy, happy Birthday Goddaughter.

I have watched Andrea grow from being a strong, kind baby girl who enjoyed her nail polish and make-up at the tender age of, oh, two years old into this vibrant, kind and strong young woman who still enjoys her nail polish and make-up.

She has suffered through the losses with the rest of us.  She has laughed and been overjoyed with the strong presence of love and hope and faith in her life.  She has bounced in happiness, and brought happiness to others in so many ways - - - but mostly just by being in the same room. 

Sunshine follows her.

And to say that she is physically beautiful with a face that stops traffic, that stops the clouds from forming, that makes the angels in heaven celebrate would be an understatement.  Her gorgeousness combined with her great spirit combined with her inability to see just how beautiful she is, makes her precious.

My cup runneth over with such a deep love for this girl, and I wish and pray and plead that every day for her is an opportunity for her to feel and give the love that she is.

Happy birthday Andrea. "May the rising sun caress and bless your soul for all your life..." (thanks Bruce).