May Day Blessing

I've always loved flowers so it seems so right that the Universe saw fit to bless me on May Day 29 years ago with the most beautiful flower ever; a precious blue eyed baby girl.

I had planned on having my second child with a midwife at our home, but the baby decided to come a day early when the midwife was out of town so (much to her grandmothers relief) she was born in the local hospital and not on a beanbag in the corner of the dining room (true story). Even though she was my biggest baby at 8 lbs. 10 oz., she was the easiest to deliver.  It was such a peaceful beautiful birth, but when they told me I had a new baby girl, I just knew they were wrong. I was so sure I was going to have a boy that I hadn't even picked out a little girl's name. We had decided on Joseph John Dewayne for our boy. Joey for short. And our two year old son Timmy couldn't wait for his baby brother to get here.

Her father and I were thrilled to have a daughter, but I had no idea who this little stranger was. It took a few days, but eventually we came up with a name that fit her and would also work for "Joey" since that's what her brother insisted on calling her. JoLee Rae has been a blessing in my life since the first day I looked into those beautiful eyes of hers.

JoLee and her Poppa

1st Birthday

My favorite photo of my daughter and I

My lovely daughter is strong willed and stubborn like me, and for that very reason, we've had our battles. And life has been hard for her at times. But she has overcome so much and grown into one of the most giving, loving mother/sister/daughter I know. She's been the one to step in and be "Mom" to her brothers when I moved too far away to be there. It comforts me to know I can count on her.

I have so much fun with her now and miss her very much when I can't see her. I'm in awe of the woman and mother that she has become. I love to just watch her with her own four children. And I smile secretly to myself when I think of what's down the road for her with her own twin teenage daughters.

My sweet JoLee Rae of Sunshine, I'm so blessed to have you for a daughter. I love your creative, adventurous soul and your awesome sense of humor. I can't wait to see where your life takes you and I look forward to tagging along. I can't tell you how incredibly proud I am of you and how thankful I am for the beautiful grand kids you've given me.

Happy Birthday Sis. I love you very, very much.

~Mom