My Quaran-Teen
How is it possible that my baby, the one who first made me a mommy, is a teenager? It doesn’t feel like it was THAT long ago when I held her newborn body in my arms at Winnie Palmer Hospital. I will never forget that feeling of immediate and complete love I felt for Emma Grace.
I also remember the first time being alone with her in the hospital. She was only two days old and my husband had left for a few hours. While I was holding her she started to choke. I couldn’t help her and started screaming for the nurse. She came in and used a nasal bulb to clear out the congestion. It was only a 5-second ordeal but it rocked me!
I didn’t know newborn babies can have fluid in their lungs they are still trying to clear out. And I realized I didn’t know much! I sobbed until my husband came back. (I also carried that nasal bulb in her diaper bag for a good two years. Just in case!)
I begged God that day to help me with this incredible and overwhelming responsibility. I have been surrendering to Him ever since.
Thirteen years has flown by!
She had grand plans for her big birthday! Like many families in the time of quarantine, we had to change things up. She knew it would not be the birthday she had planned. Quiet dinner at home with her family and hopefully a rescheduled time with her friends. She was so positive and understanding but I still felt this momma pressure to make it an extra special birthday!
We decided to have a surprise drive-by parade for her! It’s been a fun way to celebrate others too. Silly string, honking, balloons, and cheers from cars and cars of her family and friends! She was so surprised! We both cried!
Her cousin even made a surprise visit to town to lead the parade! We spent that afternoon social distanced with family at the park. That night she watched a video montage of messages from family and friends speaking life to her and wishing her a happy birthday!
It wasn’t what she planned. But, I know she will always remember her thirteenth birthday! Our quaran-teen! She felt loved and was reminded that she matters.
“Mommy, this was the best birthday I have EVER had!”
Even in the middle of a pandemic, I’m reminded that God has treasures for us. Plans that are not ours.
Personal note to my teenager.
Emma Grace,
It has been a joy to watch you grow into the sweet young woman you are today. Your kindness and compassion to others is beautiful. Thank you for being a thoughtful daughter, cousin, niece, granddaughter, and friend! Thank you for being the best sister in the world!
God has given you so many wonderful gifts. We have loved watching you serve Him as you performed at The Holy Land Experience this past year. We can’t wait to see what dreams he births in your heart this next year.
I remember being 13! I was awkward and a bit lost. I had moments where I didn’t think people “got” me. You may have those too. Please know I will always want to “get” you. I will always love and pray for you!
Keep looking only to the Lord for approval.
Keep giving Him your plans and be ready to follow His.
Love you,
Mommy
6 thoughts on “My Quaran-Teen”
Thank you for sharing. Happy birthday Emma! God bless you!
Awe What a Special 13th Birthday it may not be what she planned but it sounds like it was better !!!!! I am so glad we were lucky enough to see her preform at the Holy land experience last year she was Excellent !!!!! I love following her on your page she is so loving Happy 13th Birthday Emma Grace
Happy 13th Birthday Emma Grace! May God continue to bless you.
Happy birthday Emma Grace, you are truly a lovely young lady.
Thank you Tyler for this beautiful message add a reminder that we can make sure our young people still have the special moments that means so much. In Christ, Holly Herrington
Emma Grace, it was such a joy being able to share that moment with you! Little did I know when I first met you, and we got to play grandmother and granddaughter together in Heart of Christmas at the Holy Land Experience, that you would become such an important person in my life! I love you like a true granddaughter, and will love you forever! As your incredible Mother does, always continue to put our amazing God first in your life, and there’s nothing you can’t accomplish! Blessings and Love, Cheryl M
Love this blog, it’s so full of love and joy in celebrating your Emma Grace. Your family is certainly Blessed by God with two awesome young women in your lives. Your husband and you are doing a great job in raising them to serve our God in so many ways in sharing His love with others.