Happy Birthday

Today my sweet grandbaby turns one year old. I cannot believe it. Where has the year gone? She is such a big girl now. She holds on to your finger and just walks you everywhere.

Last year at this time I was sitting and waiting to have my driver's license renewed. Everyone sitting around knew that my granddaughter was going to be born that afternoon. I was so scared/excited. I was worried about my darling daughter having a c-section and that everything with her and the baby would be okay and I was so excited about this new experience that was waiting for me. The experience of being a grandmother. I had no idea the love and happiness that the next year would bring me.

I followed the kids to the hospital. They got ahead of me for a little while, but luckily there were no cops around, and by doing a little 75-80 I caught up with them. Then began the waiting. Luckily I was able to be in the room with her before the c-section. The doctor was late so we all sat around and talked about how hungry Missy was. I remember standing out in front of the surgery with Terry while they were prepping Missy for her surgery. The doctor came out and I told him to take good care of MY baby. He just smiled and patted my shoulder and assured me that everything would be fine.

I hate waiting but everyone was so sweet. They brought a chair out for me to sit by the nursery so I could see the baby as soon as she came in. It wasn't long before I saw Terry arriving with my beautiful granddaughter. I could feel Patrick there with me as we looked at her for the first time. She was so beautiful.

I wasn't totally happy until I finally saw my baby. She was so happy as she held her baby. It was so wonderful to watch. They were both well. All my prayers had been answered.

It had been 28 years ago that I laid in a hospital bed in that very same hospital and given birth to my baby girl. I knew the happiness that Missy was feeling. I knew the love that she was feeling for this beautiful new baby that she was holding. Until that moment I had no idea that I could love a baby as much as I had loved Missy. I found out about a grandmother's love that day. It is strong and it is pure.

The only thing missing was my wonderful Patrick. I could feel his presence and I knew he was as proud and happy as I was. I see so much of Missy in Serif. I see so much of Patrick in Missy.

Last night I couldn't wait and I gave Serif her birthday present. It sounds very vain but I gave her a Grammy Bear. I went to make a bear and made it for her. I put my voice in it. I wanted her to know that I am close to her no matter what. That if something should ever happen to me, she will have that bear to remind her, not only of my voice, but the love that I have for her.

Tonight will be her first birthday cake. No cutting it up in small pieces for her. It will be the typical first birthday cake that is presented to the baby in celebration of her first year. She will be able to get her hands in it and eat or spread as she wants. We will all sit and remember last year at this time and say our prayers of thanksgiving.

Happy Birthday Serif. I love you.