She's 20...

Nothing on the Surprise front to report...not at least the big, brassy, in yo' face type.

Friday...October 7, and our little girl...is 20. She was born in Whitehorse, a fact not too many people know. She was born on a crisp, sunny fall day. In the Yukon, the snow can fly in October, but that day it was clear.

My mom was there, I was there and Peggy was there (big surprise). It was a difficult labor, the kind of story that women love to hear at ladies retreats. But when the moment came, Aimee opened up like a flower right before my eyes. Babies come out somewhat compacted...in case you haven't seen it for yourself. But when she entered the world...she bloomed, bright and beautiful. She is still, to this day, all that! We called her Aimee. Her name means "beloved", the same as mine. Yes, strange as it may sound, David and Aimee mean the same thing in different languages. And not a day has gone by since she came into this world that she has not been considered beloved by her parents, and we know by her God.

Aimee has the energy of a crisp fall day. She moves slowly in the morning...(like me...don't even try to talk to me til about 10). Although lately we have seen her move fast, to get her lunch made ("Dad, at 20 I should be able to take responsibility to make my own lunch!") and out the door to University. I beleive she burns brightest and most energetically during the day light hours. In the brightness and crispness of fall, she radiates color and beauty that makes the trees drop their orange and golden leaves as a carpet for her progress. She knows everyone, and her light grows brightest in her movement toward people, she is present and they are caught up in her cool breezes and warm open spaces. As her day dims into evening, she is still likely to be close to home, asking what is for supper (when there is supper!). The air cools, the stars come out and the clear sky holds no warmth for tomorrow. Each day calls for its own sun, its own energy, its own light. She may go out or stay in. (Is the O.C. on?) She is daylight and evening, summers end and harvest.

"Has anyone got a tissue"...I am getting misty.