We had no choice.

Today marks the one year anniversary of someone who is dear to our family. A year ago, she made her mark, as she was born amongst some mighty odds. Her mama had been hospitalized for 3 weeks (I think). Her due date was January 16th. We were told that each day in the womb equaled 3 days outside the womb. Even though our strongest inclinations were to meet this tiny lil being, we new that each day, we needed one more day.

So… we painfully took one day at a time. Really, we had no choice. Each day we gave to God; each day we trusted in Him. Really, that is all we could do. Her mama suffered. I suffered with her. Her Daddy overcame his fears that night. He was there; he didn't miss a beat. The unknowns were great, but the Hope in our hearts was far greater.

Finally, somewhere in the middle of the night, a babe was born. Barely 5 pounds, she was the most beautiful & delicate lil being I've ever known. Her tiny ears were paper thin; she had no eye lashes. Over the next few months, I  recall hearing her mother say, "Lily, you are just too little." Hard times awaited us, but we would do our best to meet whatever came our way. Really, what else could we do?

Her Mama went home from the hospital without her Lil Sweetie Pie. It's not supposed to be that way. Each day we trusted in her medical team. Each day we prayed & we prayed. We had no other option. We cried our tears. We knew our fears (but we spent lil time expressing them). Our hearts were heavy, but our Hope was greater.

As Lily made her way through the thresh hold of her home one very cold & snowy day, we were overjoyed, but we were overwhelmed. Our fears were great, but we had her home. Her Mama took one moment at a time. She met each & every lil need, & Lily began to flourish. Daddy was in love. He called her "Sweets" & too this day, I always smile when I hear him say, "She's so pretty."

So one year later, our beautiful story has only gotten sweeter. She is spunky & loves to play. Measuring spoons are her favorite. She babbles. The sound of her baby voice is so precious to my ears. She has a big scream for such a tiny lil being, but really, it's that gusto that helped bring her through each difficult day. I love her more than words. Today, I celebrate Lily.