HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELODY JOY

Mel & her beloved dog Baxter

Mel & her hubby Mike ~ how does she ever walk in those shoes??

My pretty girl...

Such a happy day

Sooo happy

It was 24 years ago today, July 24, 1986, that Melody Joy made her appearance into this world and changed mine forever…

Anyone who knows me well could tell you without hesitation that I talked about wanting a daughter of my own since I was a very young girl. I longed for the day when it would become a reality, and dreamed of all it would entail. I wanted not only the little girl and all the fun stuff that goes along with that stage in life, but also the woman she would eventually become, sharing all of life’s ups and downs with me in all the ways only a mother and daughter can.  After having had 3 wildish, energetic and active sons, whom I loved to death but also pushed me to the limits of my abilities, I was not very hopeful when I discovered myself pregnant again for the fourth time, that yet another son was not on his way. I was overcome with morning sickness and feeling like I might finally be in over my head.  One day as I was praying and asking God to give me strength, I felt He was telling me to look up Psalms 37:4. I did and it says…Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart….From that moment on, I knew my daughter was on her way…

I can honestly tell you that Melody has truly brought me nothing but joy and happiness since she first arrived. As a little girl growing up, she was just so easy. Obedient and eager to please me, she wore the little dresses and things I made for her and let me do her hair up in ribbons and bows even though she was a total tomboy at heart, haha…As she grew older her interest in ALL sports grew and eventually we found ourselves so involved in her world of sports, it dominated a lot that we did. She played on a travel softball team for years, and we covered a lot of the country going to her various tournaments and games.  What a fun time in life that really was.  But eventually she gave up softball as it took way too much of her time, and settled in a played only volleyball for her last couple of years of high school. As a teen-ager Melody and I enjoyed a closeness that I think most women dream of having with their daughters, but I’m not sure many enjoy. We talked for hours on end, and she seemed to not only truly listen to my advice and guidance, but shared most of her hopes and dreams with me as well. I think I was definitely the first to know of her love for Mike, who was to eventually become her husband. Her college years went by so quickly it seemed, and shortly after graduation she married and moved a thousand miles away from me. These last 2 years have definitely been a lot of adjustments for us both, but I think we have both settled into our life on the phone, facebook, and occasional visits. 

I am soo proud of Melody and love her with all of my heart.  I pray the Lord blesses her and makes His face to shine upon her now and always…HAPPY BIRTHDAY my beautiful girl and may God Bless you always and forever…..mom