Pray For Lilly: July 2017

Tuesday, July 4, 2017

Happy heavenly 7th birthday Lilly!

"Mama - just what is this crazy outfit you have on me?!"
photo credit: Steve Rubin Photography

Dearest Lilly,

Letters usually start with a "how are you?" But wouldn't that be rather silly for me to start your birthday letter that way? After all - I know that you are perfect, whole, and full of joy! You have everything that those of us still on earth long for! And that makes me SO happy for you.

So instead I will get to the point: HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILLY!!!!! Yes today is birthday number 7 for you. Amazing! I sometimes wonder what it would be like to have a 7 year old little girl running around the house. But I know that wasn't God's plan for you. You packed a whole lot of living into 17 months. You definitely lived up to your nickname of "Little Firecracker!"

Your little brother Solomon loves to hear stories about you and ask questions about you. He is super into all things holiday. Lilly's birthday/Independence Day is no exception. He delights in the Lilly-colored decorations all over the house and in the stores. He made special star shaped chocolate lollipops for Tabby and her friends to eat, in memory of your birthday.

Big brother Hunter seems to remain just as interested in hearing stories about your medical equipment as he does you. You know that's just how his brain works! Yep - engineer boy. Do you remember how he was only 2 years old and helping me operate your milk pump, oxygen, and pulse ox? And nebulizer ... etc.

And Tabby. She remains as fiercely proud of you as ever. And still hurts having lost her special little sister.

Speaking of stores, your siblings and I were at Walmart a few days ago. Tabby and I stopped in front of the red/white/blue clothing for little girls. Tabby pointed out an outfit that she would have loved to get for you. I pointed out the ones that I thought you'd look adorable in. There were several "awwwww" moments before we could move on.

And that got me to remembering how when you turned 1 year old, I had a collection of red/white/blue clothing for you to wear. You had many days of celebrating in your colors!

Shall I remind you of some?

I guess you should have had a special red/white/blue outfit to wear home from the hospital on the day you were born. Only I had no idea you were going to be born on the 4th of July! You were due on June 17th. Oh well!