Dear Brit..

Last week, you celebrated your birthday, not only did you celebrate your birthday but the birthday of your first daughter. I remember sitting in the car about to go into the gym to watch Joey coach, when you told me you were pregnant with Lillian. I remember the joy that rose inside of me, knowing the pain and the hurt and the struggle that had led up to this moment. I remember walking with you through that first pregnancy and seeing the joy in your and Joey's eyes when Aub and I came to the hospital to meet Lil for the first time. I remember walking into my house to pack for a week of sorrow and hearing a knock at the door, knowing without even question who would be on the other side. I remember Target trips, movies, dinners, laughs and tears. As we get older, life goes on, life changes, life happens. But there are moments where we must stop life and remember, we remember what the Lord has done and we look forward with anticipation to what the Lord will do. Throughout the last seven years the Lord has done a lot in each of our lives and in our lives together, there have been moments of closeness and moments of busy and separation, life happens, but through it all there has been a steady love and care that is truly unique, that is truly a blessing. So I remember with thankfulness the past, the times of growth, the times the Lord has moved in and through us together and separately, the friendship and the relationship He has ordained, and I look forward with anticipation to what is to come, the birth of a child, the growth of children, the growth of a friendship, and the continued work of the Lord.
Thank you for being you, in all your unique and beautiful ways, you are truly you. Thank you for being the person that at any point of doubt in my life, I hear a voice in my head saying "Trust the Lord..." knowing you were the one you first drilled those three simple yet difficult words into my head and thoughts. Thank you for being an example of a mother and a wife who is a sinner saved by grace who years to raise her family knowing the Lord, serving others, and letting me see the good and the bad. I know one day if the Lord desires, I will be a better wife and mother because of knowing you. Thank you for loving me through the last seven years, the difficult the ugly the just plain sinful and the happy joyful and truly amazing moments as well.
You are a blessing to all who meet you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you, May He grant you peace in all you do, May He give you strength to face each challenge, May He shower His love upon you in ways you can not imagine in the next year. You are loved...