Julianna Turns 20

(Sigh) In less than two hours, my sweet little Blondie turns 20. Where did the time go? She is all grown up now; a working woman, loving being a CNA. I'll bet the residents she cares for adore her. She drips sweetness. Even when she has her mad face on, her sweetness seeps through her frown. It's like how honey, when spread on warm toast, oozes over the sides of the crust. You can't help but swipe your finger through its yummy thickness so as not to miss a drop. You simply cannot resist Jay's warmth--her love; you just have to hug her so as not to miss out on any of it.

I was truly blessed the day Jay arrived. She lit up the room. She was the hope our military family needed in a troubled time, our country having been at war with Iraq. She made all our worries dissipate and her presence completed our little family of three. My two hands suddenly had two little hands--Aly's and then Jay's--to grasp (not that little-miss-sociable, little-miss-"what's over there?" ever wanted to hold my hand for long). She stole our hearts immediately.

You have my heart, birthday girl. Thank you for 20 years of love and laughter and for those sticky-sweet hugs that I just can't seem to get enough of! You are a true blessing to all whose presence you grace.

Love,
~Mama