May 9, 2010

May 9, 2010. I've thought about this date for months now. I've known it was the date of Parent Child Dedication service at TPC since well before I had Lillie. I've known it was the day after Sophie's play in Atlanta since her school schedule came out last August. For months, I've known that, once again, Mother's Day and Dad's birthday were landing on the very same day(the second weekend in May can be an expensive one in our family)! I've known that May 9 would be an overwhelming day for our family for quite a while now.

But only in the past three months did I half-dread May 9, 2010. Since we had just been through my aunt dying of cancer only four months after diagnosis, I wondered a little over three months ago if we would be celebrating Dad's 59th birthday. I wondered if he would ever get the opportunity to spend much time getting to know his newest grandchild and whether he would live to see her dedicated to the Lord. Then after I felt like he might live, I wondered if Dad would be too sick to participate in the dedication service. I wondered if Lillie would be the only of my children that wasn't dedicated in a service led by my dad. I was overwhelmed with questions.

Watching Dad holding Lillian Hope on the stage at TPC on May 9, 2010, we were definitely overwhelmed, but this time overwhelmed with gratitude. We were grateful for all the precious celebrations of the day. We continue to be grateful that all signs point to healing in Dad's body. We are grateful that he has been relatively strong throughout this journey. Again, we were grateful for the opportunity to celebrate life - mothers, babies, and birthdays. Most of all we are grateful for the faithfulness of our God who has sustained us throughout this journey. All celebrations are a little sweeter this year, and while we are learning that every day is special, we were particularly thankful for May 9, 2010.