One year ago today, the world was made a little brighter by the birth of a special little girl named Sadie. She arrived on a blustery early spring day, staring intently, if not quite focused, at the window full of strange people waiting to greet her, family members from both sides, and many friends as well. Held in her father’s arms, she watched as we danced around, angling for a better view, what seemed like dozens of cameras making the first pictures. That was the start of a love affair that will last my whole life long. No matter what happens, Sadie owns a piece of my heart, and she always will. I was unprepared for the blunt force of love that hit me when Sadie was born. I had always thought that one of my gifts was my ability to love, and to love well and faithfully. Along came Sadie, and I learned that love cannot be contained, and it cannot be measured. A life and a heart filled with love can expand and grow, infinitely, as love comes from the one who is love.

Being the mother of sons, it was a new and wonderful experience for me to have a little girl to enjoy. It wasn’t too long before she learned to smile, and she does it with a radiance that lights up her whole body. When she smiles, she glows, and she smiles all the time. She laughs with her whole little body. She seems to have been crafted from pure joy, and every moment is sunshine to her. From her silky blond hair and shiny blue eyes to the tips of her tiny little toes, she is a blessing, a gift to be savored, loved, treasured as the greatest of gifts from God above, the gift of love.

There are many moments I treasure as I look back on the last year. Sadie in her father’s arms as he brought her out moments after her birth, tears in his eyes and an incredible look of fierce love and devotion on his face. The happiness that overcomes my husband every time he sees her. The fun she has with her uncles, and how they jostle to hold her and play with her. How she looks when she stands at the door and “talks” to my dogs, who listen intently to her babbling. The look on her face as she dares to turn loose of the coffee table or couch, standing with uncertainty and discovery. But most of all, I remember her smiles, and I know that I will my whole life long.

I wish with all my heart that each and every child in the world was as loved and wanted, as protected and encouraged as our Sadie. Today I say a special prayer for all the innocents, and their parents. May God send help to those in need, may we be his hand in the acts needed to save lives, and to help those who have special challenges. I hope you will join me today in a prayer of thanksgiving for each life he gifts us with, and for those most in need of love. Amen.

Happy Birthday, Sadie Bug. You are loved beyond measure.