A Celebration of Love

It was February 14, 2011. Mom and Dad had just gotten home from a date together. They were glowing as they thanked us for taking care of the kids while they were gone. They kept looking at each other as they lingered in the living room. They were waiting for the other to say something. Their joy could not be concealed. By now, Michael, Brianna and I knew what was going on. "Just tell us!" I exclaimed. They smiled and said that Mom was pregnant. She had just told Dad on the date, and they wanted us older kids to know from the beginning. They wanted us to be a part of the rejoicing. None of us knew how long we were going to be able to celebrate this new life. We had just lost four unborn children in the past two years. We didn't know why. I was afraid of the pain that another loss would bring, but I still hoped for another brother or sister.  My mom said that she was so thankful to be able to carry another child for as long as God allowed her. I was amazed at the love and sacrifice that my Mom had for her children. All of them.

So we prayed. Everyone prayed for this little baby. And baby kept growing. We passed the milestones slowly, but surely. And now Melody Hope is with us....and we are still rejoicing. We are celebrating love tonight. The love we have toward Melody, for each other, and the love of The Father who gave her to us.