Katie Elizabeth

Well another year passes...I do not know where the time has gone...I can close my eyes and still see you the moment you were born...really you are the only one I can do that with because by the time you came I had learned a thing or two about appreciating what I had as a mother and how quickly each moment passes...all your siblings were so proud of you and for the most part I don't really think any of them really got over that...you are lucky that you were a little sister that they loved and were proud of...I rarely heard...mom get her out of here!!!...maybe you were special...maybe we just didn't let you guys do that and maybe there was a LOT of that behind my back...either way...I think it is safe to say you were and are an amazing added gift to our family! This year has been so very hard for us all...more losses than we care to mention...but for the believer in us...great celebrations as well! Your words you shared about Harold on your FB still give me goose bumps...You've always been able to have the eternal perspective...one of my most favorite things about you! I've missed you this year as you have stretched yourself in school and working with your own youth group...but I wouldn't trade that for anything...I love seeing each one of you kids finding your "place" in the body and serving there...and serving well...I used to dread being "expected" to serve...and now...honestly I hunger for it...I pray that for each of you as you all grow and learn the importance of a faithful life... I still love to see the way you and Thomas look at each other...clearly in love! I love the way all of your nieces and nephews get excited because Aunt Katie is coming...and I cannot wait to see you as a momma someday...you will be amazing...you have wisdom beyond your years...and a gentleness that will guide them well! I'm proud to be your momma and your friend...I'm thankful for you in my life...I love you Katie Elizabeth!