Happy Birthday, Daughter # 1

          I woke early today just like I did thirty nine years ago today. And like that day,the first thing I thought about was my daughter, Jen. On that early morning thirty nine years ago, I woke because she decided it was the day she wanted to be born...even though it was a month too early. I remember being worried that it was too early but she has taught me in the thirty nine years since then that she will do things on her own time line...and in her own way. And that is one of the things that makes her unique and special to me today. Several months ago I sat down and tried to put into words who she is and what she means to me. This is just a few of the thoughts I had that day. They are more relevant today than they were the day I wrote them.

Daughter #1

“I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want

and then advise them to do it.”

Harry S. Truman

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The only thing I ever wanted to do with my life was be a mother. I loved babies and I spent most of my first 20 years dreaming of holding my very own baby in my arms.

So on Mother’s Day of 1973, even though I still did not have a babe in arms I was celebrating because the baby that lay inside of me had just kicked me.  

I didn’t know for sure if the one that squirmed inside me that day was a girl, but I was thinking that it was my little Jennifer.  Actually, she didn't move a lot, and I hoped that she was ok. Come to find out, she was one of those lazy little babies who just liked to curl up where it was warm and sleep a lot. She knew she had to get some rest while she could because as the oldest child she had to be the high achiever in the family.

She arrived one month early and has been ahead of the game ever since.

 She still likes to sleep but when she isn't sleeping, watch out, this one has determination. Typical first child, just like her momma; get out of my way, I'm on a mission!

Studies show that first-born children desire control and they will typically become a compliant nurturer or a more aggressive mover and shaker. I am the compliant nurturer and she is the mover and shaker. Both of us tend to be a little (okay, a lot)  bossy. And since we are so much alike we had our struggles for control of her life. She won.

But she is the one who made me a mom and I love her more than words can describe. On Mother's day this year, my oldest daughter has the priviledge of being mother to three of her own. I watch her with them; I know, like me, she loves her children with a passion. And I smile a little when I see her struggle for control with her own oldest daughter. Some things just never change.

I pray she will enjoy her children to the fullest; every day is precious and they go by so quickly. Very soon they will leave her nest to try out their own wings, If she would ask for my advice, (which I know, she won’t) I would suggest she follow President Trumans advice, especially with her oldest daughter who is so much like her and like me.

And again, if she would ask advice from her mother (still not likely); Jennifer, you have given them roots, now give them permission to use their wings.

Her story reminds me of Solomon in the Bible. Talk about a high achiever! And God used that personality trait to do amazing things. Personality traits can work against us or we can ask God to channel them so He can use us to make a difference for good in our world.

           Jen,I want you to know that I am so very proud of the woman you have become. When I see what you have done with your life and what you continue to do, my prayer is that God will continue to bless you but most of all I pray that you will keep Him in the very center of your life.. I hope you know how much I love you!

 P.S.  I have a feeling that this is the year you ae going to get that  Ph.D!