10 YEARS AGO TODAY

Ten years ago today I became a mother.
Well, actually I had already been a mother for the nine months prior as far as I'm concerned. Any how, Morgan Marie was born. Tim was at my side and mom was there in the room with me as well.
I remember the exact moment I first saw her. The doctor handed her to me and she laid on my chest like she is in this picture. I was overwhelmed by the immediate flood of love I felt for her. I was in shock. That very moment I felt a love I'd never known before and it was amazing to me.
Tim and I would struggle and grow and learn. We would sacrifice anything, set aside any selfish desire, persevere through any test or trial...all for the sake of this one little girl. Morgan was the spark that started us on a journey to find our way back to the great flame of love - God Himself. Morgan was my unplanned salvation. She set me on a path I know I would have otherwise missed because of my blindness. Jesus truly does meet you where you're at. Through Morgan a place in my heart was so stirred I finally realized I could not rest until I rested in Him. I must live for God if I intend to be a mother to this precious little girl...
I've learned so much in the past 10 years. If I had to summarize I'd say this:
1. God loves us so much. I've got a much better understanding of this since becoming a parent myself. Sure we can live without recognizing this love but life is so sad and empty without it.
2. Love means sacrifice. No sacrifice - no love - period. This plays out in big ways but more often it plays itself out in a thousand small ways. I most likely will not be called to die for the sake of my children. But love demands I die a thousand little deaths each day for them.
3. You can't parent from the couch. You can't give directions, advice, instructions, or shout out reprimands. You must go there, be there, in their face ALL THE TIME. You must model everything and repeat, repeat, repeat...
4. You can always count on the Blessed Mother. Always. Even when youaren't faithful and you skip out on the rosary...if you go to her in desperate need she will NOT fail you. So pray the family rosary. You can always count on mom.
5. Laugh - A lot! If you can't laugh at yourself and the crazy stuff parenthood demands then you're screwed.
6. Marriage is ALL ABOUT family. God makes us man and wife exactly because children MUST HAVE THIS. No if's, and's or but's about it I need Tim and he needs me, and our child needs us.

So those are the major things I've learned. I'm still learning of course! Morgan is always teaching me. I am amazed at her joyfullness about life. She loves life! She is curious and excited with everything around her. She is creative and extremely thoughtful. She seeks out the good in everyone and gives others the benefit of the doubt. She is sensitve and has a thirst for the spiritual. She has more insight into spiritual matters than most 10 year olds I know. She is not fake in any way. She is the most genuine person I know. She's a constant reminder to me of God's awesome love for His children. She is living proof that God meets you where ever you are and stretches out His hand saying "I love you. I love you. Come with me." Morgan, thank you for being that proof. More importantly thanks for being such a great daughter and big sister. You are without a doubt a blessing to dad and me from God.