Happy Birthday Shannon!

I believe....that DEEP down inside.....every mother wants a mini-me. I was no exception. In fact, I just knew I HAD to have a daughter. And I would name her Shannon, after my very best friend in 4th grade. Her name was Shannon White. She was only here for a year, but we were buddies, and I loved her. Fast forward 15 years or so, and I am pregnant with what will be my third & final baby. Oh how I prayed for a little girl. I even 'bartered' with God, if you can believe that! Of course, I didn't know Him then, and in my 'ignorance' I thought that if I made a deal with Him, He'd give me my little girl. I needn't have worried. He gave me my daughter because she was predestined to be. And every day I am SO thankful for her.

Shannon was 6 weeks early. I entered the hospital on Christmas Eve morning, in preterm labor. She was born 3 1/2 days later, after an entirely PAIN FREE labor. No epidural, no nothing except the medication that tried to stop labor. People can't believe that I had a pain free labor, especially a labor that lasted 3 1/2 days. It's true. She was born at 4:34pm, a healthy 5lbs 9oz, 17in long. A beautiful little girl with a head of light brown hair.

She was a good baby with a, shall we say, strong will...LOL...a strong will that has carried her through some difficult times in her life.

She was an excellent student, loved by her classmates and teacher alike. And then, in 2000, the inevitable happened. She left home to go to Bible College. My heart was broken. For 6 weeks, every time I'd go into her room for something, I'd break down & cry. My baby was no longer a baby, nor was she living at home anymore. We were empty nesters. We adjusted.

In 2004 She called me. 'Mom, I'm coming home'. That was like music to my ears! We made plans and rented a U-haul to go up to Orange County and bring our girl home, well, back to Ramona. In the years that she was gone, she grew even more independent than she was when she left home. For the first year or 2 after she came home, it was a real struggle for her. She worked 2 jobs just to try to stay afloat. But not once did I ever hear the words "I can't do this any more" spoken from her. It was quite the opposite. Her faith remained strong, and God blessed her 3 years ago with a job that she loves, helping people.

Shannon, I admire and respect you SO much. I have watched you blossom from a tiny little girl into the strong, independent woman that you are today. Your faith inspires me. Your determination assures me that you'll be okay. You're not 'needy', and that in itself is an answered prayer. You have such a caring and giving heart, and when you love, you love with your entire being. People who have you in their lives are blessed indeed. I am SO very proud that you are my daughter.

Happy Birthday Honey. I love you so much. May your day be as wonderful as you.

Love Mom