Today is Lily’s eighth birthday. I asked her what she’d like to do for her actual birthday (she had her party last Friday) and she said, “Go to the beach.” So this afternoon we swimsuited up and headed for our town’s little beach on the St. Croix River.
As I sat at the water’s edge watching Lily splashing and laughing in the bright sunshine, I thought, as I always do on this day, of her birth mother and father. I thought of all the things I wish they knew.
I wish they knew how funny and kind Lily is, how she has so many friends I can’t begin to keep them all straight, how she loves to dance and do underwater somersaults and sing “opera.”
I would show them the pictures she’s drawn and the books she can read and the way her face dimples when she smiles.
I would tell them how willing she is to help with nearly everything, how she roller skates around the house, how she never runs out of energy until the very last second before falling asleep.
I would tell them how well she and her siblings get along and how she and her big sister have created their own world of dolls and games and inside jokes. I would tell them how she was met at the airport by a multitude of friends and family and how they’ve all been there for her and loved her ever since.
I would show them her scar so they’d know that her heart is strong now and always will be.
And I would tell them how at night, when I check on everyone one last time before I go to bed, I look down at her beautiful, sleeping face and I’m filled with gratitude that it’s been so easy to love her.
I hope that somehow, someway they can know this and feel peace.
In tears. Thank you for sharing this special birthday story about an equally special little girl. Happy Birthday, sweet Lily.
So touching – love your description and how you laid your heart on the line with this post. Happy 8th Birthday to your amazing girl. Xoxo
How beautifully written, so many of the things that I think of but wouldn’t think of writing down anywhere. I always think of how much she has grown and changed since she arrived and took her place in her new family …. smallest and last in line but seemingly in charge. Thank you for bringing her here and allowing everyone who knows her to have their lives enriched.
Such an open and touching description of the things that make Lily who she is and such a special little girl. Beautifully felt and written, Shannon.
ok, you really got me on this one… I know exactly how you feel & loved your sweet words to describe what a blessing our special girls are! Lily must have had a wonderful birthday – can’t believe she’s already 8 – wow! and you are an incredible mom.
What a beautiful post Shannon. She is obviously a very happy girl!
Didn’t remember this from the first time around, 8 years ago. Beautifully written but especially touched by your thinking of her birth parents and wishing they could know wonderful their baby girl has turned out.
Thank you, Dad. I especially wish we could tell them about her heart (they had no idea about her VSD).