Courtney's Birthday

My granddaughter is 14 this month. Where has the time gone since she first arrived? So many changes in my life and, of course, in hers.

I recall vividly the day of her birth. We hurried to the hospital. Grandpa and Uncle Steve waited together with other family and friends. I worked the cam-corder in the labor/delivery room. I held my breath as she emerged and took her first one and then began to cry. So beautiful!

As her dad and I started down the hall to the waiting room, I gave him a hug and tears sprang to both our eyes. Stunned at the emotion overwhelming me at this new life, I wiped my eyes and smiled. When we announced her safe arrival to the full room -- it seemed everyone in town was there! -- joy flooded the entire entourage.

Yesterday, we delivered her and her sister from her mom to her dad. The whole family talked at once and the room filled with laughter. Our sweet girl, no longer a baby but a blossoming young woman, held court center stage as she told of happenings at school and with friends.

She's still a blessing. She's still beautiful, physically as well as so many more ways. I still fight to hold back tears and I pray I always model a godly woman to her.