And Then She Was 14
Yesterday was Jade’s 14th Birthday:
I remember the day she was born. I had to rent a car and drive to my hometown in order to be there for her birth. I was lucky that I worked for someone at the time who valued important family events over whatever it was that I would have gotten accomplished that day.
We waited and waited and waited outside the room. I literally had my ear pressed to the door of the room when I heard her very first little baby cry. I held her only moments later and I thought, “Oh My God (not OMG, but a real prayer) this is unconditional love. This is it!” I was completely stunned at the feeling. I would never love anyone the way I love her because she actually TAUGHT me to love. Just by being born.
Now she lives with me and is my oldest. Everyday I hope that I am “enough” for her — that although I cannot replace mom and dad, that she knows I love her so deeply, so profoundly that even when I want to pull my hair out over “8th grade girl-ness” I would never want anyone but her as my oldest. I cannot believe that 14 years has gone by and that she is so close to entering high school. As I sat on our big chair with her tonight after the family birthday party,we thumbed through her brand new cookbook and tried to find a good recipe for to try. It felt a bit like hanging out with a friend. She has always been a kindred spirit. We are both alpha females, both emotional, both resistant to change and both sarcastic to a fault.
A year ago for her 13th birthday a group of women gathered around her and proclaimed her value, her worth, her preciousness before us and before God.
I am so glad I don’t have to do it alone and that there is an amazing collection of women to embrace her and remind her of her worth.
I mean, other than the fact — as is so very obvious in the photo — that we’re a bunch of hooligans-turned-party animals.
So, Happy Birthday Jade. You are dearly loved.
Happy belated birthday Jade! Hope it was a fabulous day.
I LOVE Jade! Happy Birthday, dear one. We are all cheering for you!
This is an absolutely wonderful tribute to Jade and you, my precious, beautiful daughter. You write with such clarity and passion. Thank you for this special piece of writing. And Oh! those friends–PRICELESS!!!love you-mom
Please give Jade a big “Happy Birthday” for me…she is a special young lady who deserves all the love, nurturing and support she’s getting in your home. Your birthday blog is truly a gift to her and brought tears to my eyes. That unconditional love thing-it gets me every time!
First of all, Jade is GORGEOUS! That picture of her compared to pictures of me at 14…Oy! What a great job Kari! Not just with the picture, with everything. I really love that you’ve created such a beautiful family and turned a tough situation into a blessing that you embrace.
@ Leslie, isn’t she a doll? Yes, when I think of myself at 14, well, lets just say it ain’t even mediocre…
I always love to hear from you.
this is a priceless entry for a priceless girl – thanks for sharing, and happy birthday to Jade!
Kari, what a beautiful description of a holy moment —when Jade took her first breath and you got to wrap your arms around this little person. One who would hold such a special place in your heart always. :) Happy birthday, Jade!
Anne
Happy Birthday Jade!! We love you ever so much!