How can it be? As the clock strikes midnight, New Year's Eve turns into New Year's Day...2018. And our girl turns another year older. She's more than one hand today.
As 2017 comes to a close and 2018 begins, it means so much more to me to reflect back, and reflect ahead. As everyone celebrates at the strike of midnight, we most certainly do too...and they are sweet and exciting celebrations. But, there is also a part of me that loses my breath at midnight every year...
And I know it's because I am transported back to that hospital room, the NICU, and that time in our lives that was filled with so much fear and uncertainty. I knew our lives would change that day 6 years ago when Ellie was born, but I just didn't realize the magnitude. Perspective is what I think I gained 6 years ago. Life is hard. Life is messy. Bad things happen to good people. God didn't and doesn't cause it. He's never left me, even though I've been extremely mad and sad. Spiritually, we go through peaks and valleys. It does take a village. Life doesn't have to be perfect, but it does need to be beautiful. And we must find joy in the journey.
It's so fitting Ellie was born on New Year's Day. The confetti, the noise makers, the dancing, the gathering together, the excitement, the reflection, the love, the singing, the fireworks, and the joy. Everyone celebrates your birthday sweet girl, and that's beyond special...just like you.
And even though my heart hurts a little each New Year's Eve, there is so, so much more JOY. Joy in where we've been, joy in where we are, ans joy in what lies ahead.
Happy 6th Birthday Ellie Belle. We love you so much. Thank you for bringing me perspective and purpose 6 years ago...and so much JOY.
