We called all the grandparents and the aunts and uncles. We made a plan for the girls. We packed a bag and went by the office to wrap up a few details there. And then, we headed to the hospital. So different than the first pregnancy. We went to our room. They hooked me up to the evil pitocin drip and then we settled in to wait for our precious arrival.
Now, if any of you remember the events of fifteen years ago then you will clearly remember that the Braves were in the World Series. The Braves and the Yankees were tied in the series and downtown Atlanta was full of screaming Braves fans watching a very tense game. As I lay in my hospital bed hooked up to tubes and medicine and machines; the doctor and my husband were glued to the television. Yes, I got the privilege of having my doctor in my room almost the entire time in one of the largest labor and delivery hospitals in the Southeast. However, the attention was not always directed at me.
They were all so lucky that this was my third labor and that I was a laid back patient. I was actually not in much pain or discomfort until the last thirty minutes of the game. The funniest part about the whole evening was that my mother was also in the delivery room. She so wanted to be a part of one of my deliveries, so we had agreed to let her join us for the birth. She, as you can imagine, did not share in the Braves enthusiasm and by that point she had switched into full mother/grandmother mode. Let's just say that the Braves lost. The TV went off and my precious Maddie was born.
The memories of that day are still so fresh in my mind. We were blessed to have an enjoyable experience with each of the births of our children . Each time the waiting room was full of family and encouragement. Each time we were able to announce to everyone that the baby was healthy and beautiful. Each time we praised God for such a precious gift.
Life is a gift. Children are a privilege. Raising them is a responsibility not to be taken lightly. Parenting them is a life long endeavor. As all of my children are becoming more independent and older, I cannot help but reflect on those years when they seemed to need me more. It is easier to feel needed when they are young and physically need you to help them and guide them. It is much harder to feel appreciated and needed when they become independent. But, I think that is when they need us the most. To remember that our job is to mold and shape. To guide and direct. To point them to Jesus. To be the parents and the adults. Not to fall victim to the world's lies so that they can see what standing firm looks like. It gets harder the older our children get. But, hopefully, we get wiser.
As I reflect on the last fifteen years today, I can't help but smile. My baby girl is becoming an incredible young lady. She is growing and learning. She is entering into those years of driving and boys and hard lessons with friends. Her sisters have paved the way a little. And, of course, they think that she has it much easier than they did. According to them, she is the baby and we treat her differently. But, the irony of that statement is that they see her differently too. It is so sweet to watch them protect her and fight for her. They give her the same advice I would. They just use different words. They want what is best for her and celebrate all the fun parts of high school with her. They truly love her well. It makes my heart smile.
Life changes and moves forward. We can't stop it. But we can hold tight to the memories.
Happy Birthday my sweet Madelyn Lee. You are a joy and a blessing. We are so very proud of you and our prayer is that you continue to grow in your love and knowledge of Jesus. That you run hard after Him and that you love well those around you. Enjoy your special day, sweet girl. We celebrate you!
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