First Steps

Almost every parent I know is more than happy to sit and talk with you about their children. Proud parents everywhere cherish those special "firsts"...first smile, first tooth, first words, first day of school...all through their lives, so many significant moments to treasure.

Today was one of those moments, a significant milestone to remember, talk about and treasure.

Today my daughter, Amanda, took her first steps. For me, these truly are her first steps. Many of you reading this blog know that I am not Amanda's birth mother. She was born to my husband, Larry and his wife, Cathy. From the moment she & her twin brother, Caleb, were born, they were loved and each of their "firsts" treasured. It was Larry and Cathy who watched her first childhood steps. Today Cathy watches over Amanda's firsts from Heaven, and I have been given the incredible privilege of sharing her firsts here on earth in the role as her mother now. And today, my little girl took her new first steps. Different than the first ones and yet certainly as significant because they are the steps of her new future. Slowly, a little unsteady, and with a huge proud smile on her face and tears on mine...she stepped. Once, twice...six times. It was incredible.

The physical therapists were so excited for her and thrilled with how well she did. When they helped her to set back she told them..."I can do more." They laughed, and told her no, that was awesome for her first time.

When I look back at my life I am blessed to say that it has been filled with many, many significant firsts. The six wonderful children who fill my heart and my life continue to create moments to treasure. And when I look back, the day my little girl took her new first steps will certainly be one of those treasures.

A (very) proud mom,

denise