Wednesday, November 17, 2010

It's a Girl!

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)


Nineteen years ago, my life and my heart changed forever. It is a day that is etched in my memory, the details as clear as though they happened yesterday.

During the first few minutes of Wednesday, November 13, 1991 I gave birth to my first child. A healthy, full head of hair, tiny fingers and toes, pink little bundle of joy.....Kristi graced the earth with her presence. As I looked into her face, I saw hope, dreams, laughter, and for the first time in my life, I felt unconditional love. I truly, deeply, profoundly understood what it mean to love someone more than life itself.

After three long days, several trips to the hospital, false alarms, monitors, injections, centimeters and such, Kristi Valori weighing 6 lbs 1 oz and a mere 19 1/2 inches long  pushed her way into the world. Immediately, she became the fulfillment of a dream. She was the product of deep love between her father and I but she was and is so much more. She was the first grandchild and great grandchild in the family. Her arrival was anticipated and celebrated months before she actually drew her first breath.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that day, and the many since, I am in awe of the person she has become. She was the most beautiful baby girl. Her tiny ringlets framed her face and her laughter filled our home. She loved to play outside, help her Daddy and listen to her Pepere's stories. As she grew, it became more and more obvious to those who love her what a special girl Kristi would be. In grade school, she was the kind-hearted child who would help another student who struggled with a math assignment. She was loved by her teachers and had a wide circle of friends. Although very social, she also loved being at home, preferring to stay  here at home and watch movies than go to the slumber party.

Junior High and High School brought more friends, more activities and many more choices. To this day, I admire how she handles those situations. Although friendly with everyone, she chooses her "friends" wisely. She loves to have fun and enjoy life but prefers to do that without using drugs, alcohol or mischief. A friend asked me recently, how I raised a child, in this society to be this way. I honestly, don't know. By the grace of God I think.

It would be sooo easy for me to look back and wish for her to be little again. To re-live the cookie baking, the pj days, the impromptu playdates with the Croteaus and the Blais's. To pine away for craft projects we made, the stories we read and the memories we made. Instead, as I pull into the parking lot of her dorm, I am overcome with emotion. Not with regret or the loss of my "baby girl" ...but with the realization that we have reached a new place in our relationship. We are no longer just mother & daughter.....we are friends.

Its a feeling and a place that makes my heart so full its difficult to express. Being Kristi's mom is a tremendous joy, it always has been and I assume it always will be.

Being her friend, is a blessing!


Hugs!
Michelle

3 comments:

  1. Made me weepy reading your beautiful story.
    When I think of Kristi I think of her being 5 years old and holding Quinny in her arms! Smiling that huge "Look what I can do!" smile.
    Like you, I've enjoyed every step, so far. My kids have taken me down an awesome journey...can't wait to see what's just around the bend!

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  2. I can count the times in my life that God actually slapped me on the side of the head telling me to "Pay attention here." Holding Kristi the day after she was born was such an epiphany for me. The love that flooded out of me because of that little bundle of life nearly drowned me. Kristi changed all our lives..so much for the better. She, like all children, are a blessing we should forever cherish.

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  3. Hi Chel,
    Isn't it wonderful how we can learn to love by having a child. That happened to me when I had you, you just put it into words so much better! Wonderful blog, love you so so much!
    Mom

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