Happy Birthday Annie.

Dear Annie…
Its so hard to believe that three years ago today, you came into our lives! Three years ago today, we found out that “Its a Girl!” Daddy was shocked, because he was convinced you were going to be a boy….. But somehow I knew, in a way only a mommy can know, that this little one in my tummy was going to be an ‘Annie.’ God knew I needed one more girl. I needed more dainty clothes with tiny rosebuds. I needed more hairbows. I needed more tiny pink booties. This whole family needed you, Annie… Especially Katie Beth. She needed a little sister. And she has been in love with you from day one. You may not realize it, but she is….trust me. She may not realize it, but she is….trust me. Did you know she sobbed for you when you had to go to the doctor? That’s true love, right there….she couldn’t bear that you might be in pain. I have to admit, I have loved having two girls to dress alike… But I love even more that the two of you have each other. You have been our joy… Our treasure… A light in our lives. Always smiling. Always laughing. Always making us laugh. Always the life of our party. One of those gifts from God…. …that is far better than you could have ever even asked for or imagined. God has a way of giving those kinds of gifts, you know? I’m so thankful for the past three years that we’ve had you for our own. Three eventful years….thank God you were here to keep us entertained! In a way, its hard to believe we’ve only had you three years? How can that be possible? Its funny, we had no idea what we were missing before you came along! Truly, you are one of a kind. And I know God is going to use you in a big way, Annie…
And this time next year…. We’ll be celebrating another birthday, and I can’t wait for that happy day….the fears and worries of 2009 but a distant memory. We’ll be rejoicing in the victory that I’m certain God is going to give us over this temporary trial.

Its no coincidence that today, your birthday falls on Easter.

The day that began with a world that was stunned, grieving and mourning because it seemed that evil had won and defeat was certain.

And then a miracle happened and death was defeated forever.

Today….your birthday…..is a day of victory and rejoicing.

But somehow you already knew that.