Witnessing a Miracle

      As I sit here typing, dead tired but yet totally exhilarated, I can't help but be amazed at the precious gift of life.  You see, this very morning at 6:55 a.m. I was allowed the privilege of witnessing a miracle.  My niece, Cheri, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.  Not since the birth of my own son had I witnessed this unbelievable miracle and I am so grateful to Cheri for allowing me to be a part of this blessed event.   I would like to introduce you to Jayna Brielle.

     My sister Jane called me around midnight last night to tell me they were at the hospital.  Of course Aunt Karen wasn't going to miss out on all the fun so off I went.    Cheri and her mom were already settled in the labor and delivery room and her dad was nervously sitting in the waiting room.  I wanted to be where the action was so I went straight to the L & D room.   

      Boy have things changed since back in cave times when I gave birth!  For you more mature mothers out there, remember when we had to suffer through labor and they wouldn't give us the good stuff until last minute?  Well, not anymore!  Cheri was resting comfortably and feeling no pain.  So much better!  But for us 2 old ladies who had to sit in chairs all night...not so much.  Luckily, we didn't have to wait too long and at 6:55 this morning we, I mean Cheri, had a beautiful baby girl.  I've never seen a more beautiful baby except for my 2 grandchildren.  Of course, no baby could be as beautiful as they are!

     Unfortunately, Jayna's daddy couldn't be here to see her come into the world.  Cheri and Diego live in Costa Rica and he wasn't able to come at this time.  For several reasons they decided it was better for Cheri to be here when the baby was born.  In a few months momma and baby will return home to be with daddy.  It was hard for them to be separated but thanks to modern technology they can talk via skype daily.  Hopefully in a couple years or less they will all be back to live close to our family.  

The Proud Parents

     Jayna is a bouncing baby girl weighing in at 7lbs even and 19 3/4 inches long.  Momma and baby are doing great.  As for Auntie, I'm tired but I'll get over a little lost sleep.  The one thing I will never get over though is being a part of such an awesome experience.  Thank you Cheri.  I love you and your new family.

    

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat   

 

Celebrating Life

Merry Christmas to All and...

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Love,
Kat

Happy Birthday Daddy

     This handsome man is my dad.  When I was small, like all little girls,  I thought I had the smartest and most handsome dad in the world.  But, unlike all those other little girls, I really did have the smartest and most handsome dad in the world.

    Whether he was helping me build a cabin out of Lincoln Logs, or research a topic for a science project in the Encyclopedia Britannica, he was always there to help.  He was my first and my only real hero.

     Dad was in the Navy in World War II; a radio operator in a naval air bomber.  Both his brothers were killed in the same war.   After the war he married my mom, and the rest, as they say, is history.

     Yesterday, we celebrated 90 years of my dad's life (even though his birthday is actually Tues, Oct. 18) and it was a wonderful day.  It was so awesome to see him happy, visiting with family and friends.  He was the man of the hour and he loved every minute of it.    

     

     Dad deserved to enjoy this day.  Since we lost mom in July he has had nothing but change; learning to live alone after 66 years of marriage, cooking for himself, adapting to a new apartment, making new friends and reconnecting with old ones.  Not an easy task for any of us, let alone someone his age.  But dad is strong.  He has coped very well.  

      This 90th birthday celebration was more than just a birthday party.  It was a turning point for our family.  It was a realization that life could go on without mom; something we had all been afraid of.  Family celebrations and holidays will never be the same, but they can still be good and we can still enjoy them.  And what better way to test those unknown waters than to celebrate the life of the man who has always been our quiet strength.

Dad, this is for you.  I love you. You are still my hero!

Happy 90th Birthday!

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat