Monday, October 12, 2009

Happy Birthday Week to My GIRL


Amanda,
Where do I start....Twenty nine years ago this week, I was about to give birth to a little girl. It had been anything but a normal pregnancy. My short term memory is not what it once was, but wow does my long term memory remember every detail of that week. In May of that year, your Dad had taken a new coaching job, we had sold our house, bought a fantastic old 75 year old house in our new town, packed our boxes, sent them on ahead and then headed to Disney World with Greg. On the way home, at five months pregnant, I got very sick in New Orleans....which turned out to be a ruptured appendix. I ended up in a strange hospital, in a strange town, with a strange doctor and had major surgery. I spent 10 days in the hospital taking massive antibiotics. The details are only important because only later did the doctor tell me that I could have easily died along with you. So many people prayed. I can still remember feeling you move for the first time after surgery, praying that you had not suffered in trauma.

The story has a very happy ending. I arrived in a new town and it took me the rest of the pregnancy to unpack all the boxes. But that October week, twenty nine years ago, after a very short and easy labor, Amanda Parker Powell, arrived perfectly fine and the most beautiful thing we had ever seen. We had our boy and now we had our girl. We were more than grateful. I can never remember feeling more blessed.

I won't give the details of the next 29 years...but fast forward to your senior year in high school, which others can read here and here, but on a very ordinary day, our lives changed....That is where the title of the Christmas blog, A Baby Changes Everything, comes from. Not only did that baby in the manger change the world, this baby our baby was carrying, changed our lives. From that day until today, I can only tell you that you have made us proud. Was it always easy? No, but it was always worth it. Your boy became the most loved little boy by everyone. He really did have a village that called him theirs.
The fact that you carried the secret of your pregnancy for five months alone, so we could all get through the holidays, that you never considered abortion, that you knew this was a baby that was your responsibility and you were up for the challenge....all those things made us prouder than you will ever know. As I look back, I am still amazed at your strength.

Today you are not only the Mom to Parker, but to Dad's little namesake, Jack. You are not only a daughter, you are a wife, a sister, a sister-in-law, an aunt, even a good friend to Parker's Dad but most of all,
you are an extraordinary, incredible Mom. You did not marry until Parker was eight...I know there were some very lonely days but you were always aware that whoever you married would not only be your man, but Parker's step-dad and that person had to be the RIGHT one.
HE was and HE is! ...and he loves Parker as much as his own little man, Jack. Every time I see your little family together, I whisper a prayer of thanks. I am not going to even caption these pictures...I think they will speak for themselves. A girl madly in love with her man and
her boys...and what Mom and Dad could ask for anything more.

Amanda, your energy amazes me, your work ethic makes me proud, your commitment to your family makes me smile. Thank you for two of the most special little boys we could have ever dreamed of. They rock our world...daily. I cannot imagine life without them.
I have never known two little boys that adore their Mom more ..and I am pretty sure that Micah feels like he won the lottery.
Happy Birthday Week!!!! We celebrate YOU!
I love you,
Mom



58 comments:

Tracy said...

What a sweet Birthday Blog! Happy Birthday Amanda! Have a great one!

Jo Whitehurst said...

So often, we as parents, forget to affirm our love and pride in our children. This is a lovely, moving way to do that for Amanda. Thank you for reminding all of us to say these things "out loud" to our children. Happy Birthday week, Amanda! God bless!

Jennifer said...

What a beautiful testimonial to your daughter! I loved reading this! Happy Birthday!

~ Jennifer
http://thetoyboxyears.blogspot.com

Grami's girls said...

I remember when she was born and she was the perfect little baby girl! Tell her Happy Birthday!

Shanan said...

What a beautiful story of amazing love. Thank you for sharing. Also, thank you for stopping by my blog. I love meeting new people. I will be keeping up and checking in!
Have a great week,
Shanan

SarahMerritt said...

Happy Birthday Week Amanda!!! Teresa she is SO pretty (and she looks alot like you!!!)
Sarah

Melinda said...

Sweet Friend,

I'm smiling, full of warmth inside, at this wonderful tribute to one who is obviously a wonderful woman - your daughter - your friend.

Blessings on you BOTH this day, as you celebrate what God has done.

Hugs,
Melinda

Andrea said...

What a beautiful post. Happy Birthday AMANDA and GOD BLESS!

Blessings and prayers, andrea

PS: Urgent prayer request on arise 2 write.

Channa, Oh its the Coachs Wife said...

So sweet!! And funny because my birthday is tomorrow and I will be 29! HA

Ra Ra Bazaar said...

What a lovely way to celebrate your daughters birthday.

Happy birthday Amanda!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Spoken like a true proud mama! Your daughter and her family are beautiful. Happy, happy birthday to your lovely daughter. You have a right to be proud!

Enjoy your day of celebration!!!

JennyMac said...

What a sweet tribute! Happy Bday Amanda.

Jess said...

I love it...and I can feel your love for her, I can see her love for her own kids and husband... and i'm so glad she has a happy story with hers like I do mine...

Love you
Awesome post

Happy Birthday Amanda

Jess

Heart2Heart said...

Teresa,

What a beautiful and memorable birthday tribute to Amanda this was. Now we can share in the beauty of her life and with you in yours as well being a proud mom.

Please pass along my birthday blessings to your wonderful daughter Amanda!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

ethelmaepotter! said...

Just went back and read Amanda's stories. I cannot imagine not feeling the same way about a teenage daughter's unexpected pregnancy. No matter how or why it happened, a baby is the reward, and you're right: A Baby Changes Everything. Amanda sounds like she's got it all together and looks incredibly happy. Kudos to you for raising such a wonderful daughter, helping to raise those two fine grandsons, and finally, Happy Birthday week, Amanda!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Amanda. It's obvious your mom loves you. What a neat post. Thank you "mom".

Anonymous said...

Evening, Teresa! Oh what a sweet precious Happy Birthday post to your daughter. She is so lovely and yes, you can see the love in her family! How lovely she is and I can tell of your love for her in your post. Blessings.
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

Sarah said...

Thank you for visiting my blog, and for the nice comments! Your blog is too very lovely. I will be sure to visit often!

Love and blessings to you

*Sarah*

Staci A said...

Very sweet post and photos! Happy birthday to her!

Unknown said...

happy birthday to your little girl!!

today is my oldest grandsons birthday!

I got my package today! I am going to blog about it tomorrow!
Your business card is adorable by the way!!!
I love it all!!
I have found me some more "grandma" blogging friends from your blog! thanks for sending them my way!

Brooke said...

Thanks for your follow! Happy Birthday to your daughter...she is beautiful!

Moore Minutes said...

What an incredibly beautiful tribute!! Happy Sweet Birthday to her! :) She is gorgeous too.

PS My favorite thing about coming to your blog is the Christmas countdown! lol

Also, would you help me win a necklace pretty please? It would mean so much to me if you would leave a quick comment on this post I have pasted below...if I get the most comments, I win. :) Thank you!

http://kristenandrewsonline.blogspot.com/2009/10/featured-reader-let-me-introduce-you-to_12.html

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

What a beautiful birthday tribute!!! You are such a darling proud Mama...I love it!!!

Thanks for stopping by earlier and leaving your sweet comment!!!

Have a wonderful evening!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Rebecca said...

What a beautiful birthday tribute! Happy Birthday to Amanda!

COUNTRY MOM said...

Teresa, Loved your post. Happy Birthday Amanda !!! I know how very proud you are of your baby girl. You are blessed to have her for a daughter. She is equally blessed to have you for a MOM. Thank You for sharing. Blessings, Audrey

Unknown said...

How sweet! It made me cry alittle at the begining! Happy birthday!!!

Denise said...

This was beyond beautiful. Happy Birthday to your precious daughter.

Sue said...

Hi!

What a beautiful family---your daughter is just lovely and what a strong sense of responsiblity she has. This incidates a very good upbring. Your are blessed.

I know how you can love a child that is not your blood child--I have three grandsons that are not blood related---but my heart only holds love for these children.

Beautiful story--HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU PRECIOUS DAUGHTER.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog and leaving such a heart warming story.

Your new friend

Sue

abnsigoslady said...

What a wonderful letter. It is clear that you are a blessing to your daughter and she to you. What a gift.

Thanks for stopping by the mansion. I love visitors. I see you are in the Shreveport area. We are down in DeRidder. My aunt lives up in Springhill. So...we are through Shreveport often. And...my middle guy is named "Parker." Funny. It is a family name for us. Have a wonderful weekend. Laura

Corrie Howe said...

Happy Birthday Amanda! You have a beautiful family.

The verse at the beginning of the Blog is one of my very favorites!

natalee said...

what a sweet tribute,, im following you now love it

Boo-Bah AKA Iris said...

What a wonderful tribute to your daughter. It is such a beautiful letter. I am sure she will cherish it forever.
The pictures of your daughter and her sweet little family are so precious.
Thank you for visiting my blog and for following. I am now following yours.

Iris

Emma* said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

I Love all the beautiful pictures!!

Janet Metzger, Artist said...

Happy Birthday Amanda...what a wonderful blog..I will be happily following ;-)
PS...not sure how I stumbled onto your blog, but I am glad of it. Amanda and her family are lovely.

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

What a touching post! Happy Happy Birthday! Janell

tammy said...

What a very sweet birthday tribute to your daughter!!! :) I hope Amanda has a truly wonderful birthday week....heck, make it a birthday MONTH!!!

Unknown said...

this was such a BEAUTIFUL sweet post for your daughter and her Birthday!
You have a lovely family!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Happy Birthday Amanda...what a wonderful story about a wonderful young woman...I'm so honored you came by my blog so I could come by here and read about your daughter and her family...Just great my friend...I loved it...Bless you for sharing this...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Theta Mom said...

Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter! Loved this post!

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

What a wonderful love story tribute to your lovely daughter. You're right...no captions necessary in those pictures. Every smile shows their family love shared. It may have been a bit of a rocky road in the beginning for both of you, but you certainly have been rewarded with a happy ending. Happy Birthday Amanda! I hope your day id filled with many "sweet surprises!"

Sweet wishes,
Sara

Beth Herring said...

Happy Birthday precious Amanda!

You can feel the love that your sweet mama has for you in each word of this post.

Love to you to too Teresa!

Misty Rice said...

She is very beautiful....

Did you ever get my reply email I sent to you?

Love when you stop by and say hi...thanks for always staying in touch.

Hugs

ClintandGina said...

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. I loved hearing from you! I also so enjoyed your letter to your daughter. I can tell you truly love her.......and those two little grandsons. So sweet! Blessings to you and yours!

Love Being A Nonny said...

Amanda can never question how very much she is loved. It is so very evident your love for her. What a special girl. She deserves a wonderful birthday!

Suzanne said...

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman -- your daughter. I hope she has a wonderful birthday week! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. They are always appreciated!

Edie said...

Beautiful pictures! Happy belated birthday to Amanda! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment.

Rich blessings!

mommytoalot said...

What a lovely tribute to your beautiful daughter.
..stopping by via Debi's blog @ Who says 8 is Enough

A Hint of Home said...

What a wonderful tribute to your beautiful daughter. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for visitng my blog. You are right, there are so many blogs in blog land.
Please come again.
Enjoy your weekend.

Megan said...

Hey! What a sweet post! Your daughter sounds amazing. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and for leaving a comment, I meet the sweetest most amazing people that way!
Megan
P.S. Happy birthday Amanda!

Megan said...

Hey! What a sweet post! Your daughter sounds amazing. Thanks for stopping by my blog and for leaving a comment, I meet the sweetest most amazing people that way!
Megan
P.S. Happy Birthday Amanda!

Ginger said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving me a comment. I wanted to come and say hi to you, and check out your blog. I loved what you wrote on your profile about being stranded on an island.
What a beautiful birthday tribute to your daughter. She sounds like a special lady, as do you.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

She is beautiful!!!! What a wonderful Happy Birthday!!! And a fabulous story!! God bless you and Amanda! ~Janine XO

BLC :o said...

Aweeeee! Such a daring girl. Xoxo-BLC

Moore Minutes said...

Thank you SO much for leaving a comment on la dolce vita featured post! I TRULY do appreciate it. :)

Laura said...

WOW What a sweet birthday blog . . .
I wandered over here from your Christmas blog . . . had a good laugh about your Outback experience, and kept reading . . .
One reason I've been sticking with your blog is b/c right before my Sr year of high school, my dad (AF) was stationed at Barksdale (where I later met my husband) . . . so Shreveport has a special place in my heart. As does Christmas :)
But after reading Amanda's full name . . . I realize who she is :) When Dad arrived at Barksdale in 98, he looked and looked for a great school for us 3 kids to attend. We ended up at ECA. Being the new girl that I was, people worked hard to find a place for me to fit it. After a while, I found myself on the cheerleading squad . . . with your Amanda. What a sweet sweet brave daughter you have :)
Thanks for bringing back fun memories--while I'm all the way in Japan! :)

Jessica said...

What a sweet, sweet post to your daughter! Happy belated birthday to her. She is beautiful!

Coleene VanTilburg said...

What absolutely awesome pictures of your daughter and her sweet family. Thank you for sharing them.

Andi said...

Hi again...I am wearing out my welcome...I could not stop reading-really, I should be finishing dinner right now! But, I just HAD to tell you what an absolute blessing it was to read your letter to your daughter. I think everything happens for a reason. I responded to your more recent post about being a "grammy" in February, but what I did not say is that I am only 38 years old. My daughter was born when I was 17, and my parents were just as supportive of me as you were to your girl. Being a young mother has had its difficulties, but one of the best things, I think for me, is being so close to my daughter...which is why it was one of THE most difficult things to hear her say this summer that she is pregnant; she is 20....I can not express the depth of my surprise. That is THE last thing I imagined her saying...but I quickly held her and told her everything would be ok. It did not take long for me to remember how very amazing my own parents were to me! It was heartbreaking to hear her say, "At least I made it out of my teens..." Obviously, I was so worried that she would turn out like me, I guess. Anyway, I just wanted to say that you and your family are SO VERY special...your story and the story of Parker's life is an AMAZING one- filled with love, hope, patience, mercy, and forgiveness...it literally brought tears to my eyes.
We will welcome my daughter's son into the world in February; his name will be Elijah Graham. We will call him Eli.
Thank you for your story. Thank you for sharing it.
P.S. I promise I will NOT always leave such LONG comments. :)