I'm The Parent Of An Adult

Well legally Lacey was an adult at 18, but today she is 20! I no longer have a teenager!

I'm not sure how to feel about that. I mean it was yesterday that I was 20. I'm still 20...or feel it mentally anyway! There are times when it really does feel like I should still be making weekend plans with my friends. When did I grow up? I can't believe I have a 20 year old!

One of my most vivid memories is feeding Lacey and rocking her in the middle of the night. She was so little and snugly. This is a memory that I can see and feel and smell and hear! Our rocker was by the window and I could see the street corner and the light shone in on us. Lacey would look up at me and coo and smile. She would stretch and coo some more. I'm sure there were nights I was exhausted, but I do not remember any. I enjoyed our night feedings. It was Lacey and I, it was a special time. She couldn't talk but I knew what she was trying to say. It was a special bond and it was our time. There were times when those times were forever and she would never grow out of babyhood! 20 years old seemed an infinity away. It didn't even seem possible. That was also my time to really pray over the sweet baby in my arms. Special, special times!

My beautiful baby did grow! She's always had a sweet, bubbly, giving disposition.  Add in sarcasm, independence,  leadership, giggles, stubbornness and so much more and you have Lacey!

When her dance teacher, Ms Karen, died and we were preparing for her memorial recital, Karen's daughter, Nicole, wanted the girls to have one adjective that described them in a whole and a word that Ms Karen would use. This would be printed on their shirts. Lacey was having a hard time coming up with her word. Nicole would say "That's not quite enough to describe you." .Lacey was throwing out words and at the same time Nicole's eyes grew big and at the same time they said "JOY" and Nicole started jumping and dancing around saying, "Yes! Yes! That's it! Joy! That is Lacey!" Lacey has been paid a lot of compliments but I think for my heart that was the best! Lacey has been pure joy for 20 years!

I'm so thankful God was confident in me to give me this special gift. He entrusted me to raise her for Him!

Lacey wasn't supposed to be home for her birthday. She is a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and it is recruitment this weekend. I was really dreading her birthday and not celebrating with her or even talk to her!

Lacey took matters in her own hands! She had called on Sunday and asked if we could come see her on Monday. We did! We had a nice early supper and visit. We drove home and literally walking in the door when she called and said she had broken her ankle and friends were taking her to the hospital. One of the things I have feared was coming true, she was hurt and I was not there. She ended up with surgery on Tuesday morning and three screws in her ankle. The Doctor told her if she was going to break something, she should go all the way like she did. She came home with us, so we get to have her on her birthday.

Lacey Anyssa Darnell, I love you infinity and beyond! Happiest of Happy Birthdays!

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