A 49th Birthday

Happy Birthday, Christy.

On April 21, 1971, our anticipated baby Christy was placed in my arms.  Two weeks later I celebrated Mother's day by giving thanks for two precious children.

You were loved and enjoyed by your big brother, John and you learned early you needed to be tough.

These two pictures will always be among my favorites of you because they say so much about who you would become.

You never met a person you didn't love or get along with, and you easily adapted to all situations.

There was never a dull moment with you.  We loved your lust for life and your humor even at a very early age.  You were our little "Joy."

You were often the life of the party, even your own.  You also loved spending time with your friends, and you never had enough of them.

You put up with all our excursions when we traveled to Glorieta for music weeks, and whether you admitted it or not, most of the time, you actually enjoyed them.

We loved attending all yours and John's band concerts beginning in middle school, and attending ballgames just to see you twirl a flag on the field in high school.

High School graduation was your final milestone before becoming independent.

There were times of joy and times of sadness, and we witnessed how you allowed all of these good and bad times to grow a stronger you.

We saw first hand how your true mission in life was fulfilled when you gave birth to Chandler and became a mother.  This was indeed God's highest calling for you.

We could not have been more proud as a single mother, you pursued your life-long desire to become a nurse.

And then, you were doubly blessed when Cassidy was added to our family.

When Chuck came into your life, you were not only blessed with a devoted, loving, and godly husband, but you became the mother of Emily.  Now you had three girls to love.

Thankfully, God knew you needed one more and gave you Ava Grace.

Who could have known what a blessing joining a family of "Yours, mine and ours" would be.

God also knew you needed some boys to complete your family.

So, He gave Brad to Chandler and David to Emily.  What a blessing these two fine young men have been to our family.

Yes, Christy there have been struggles, some tears, and some fears along the way, but never has there been a long period without happiness.  It has been our joy to watch God use you and grow you through these 49 years, and to love you more each of those years.

Mom & Dad