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It’s so hard to believe that it’s been 26 years since we welcomed our second daughter into the world. Where has the time gone? Our little girl has grown into a beautiful young woman, but it seems like just yesterday we were welcoming her into the world.

Never let it be said that God doesn’t have a wicked sense of timing. We had waited 2 years to start trying to have a 2nd child, and after 2 more years of silently mourning each time it was obvious that I wasn’t pregnant, I had finally resigned myself to the fact that maybe we were only meant to have one child. So I resolved to go see the doctor “the next month” to go back on the Pill.

Only “next month” never came.

Rachel loves her little sister

Instead, 9 months later we welcomed Michelle into the world. She was sweet and beautiful and we were all so happy. Bill Cosby always says that a family isn’t REALLY a family until they have 2 kids (because without siblings squabbling…..). We were lucky, because Michelle always got along with her big sister.
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Daddy’s Girl

Michelle has always been the imp. When it comes to all of God’s creatures, she’s always been a softie for almost all of them. I still remember when she was 5 or 6 and saw an episode of “Animal Hospital” and told us she had to “Give a tear” when she saw a puppy with a fishhook caught in its throat.

The only known picture of Michelle in a dress…..

Most kids have puppies or kitties – we learned through the years to co-exist with all kinds of creepy, crawly, slimy things (although I drew the line at a python – I have my limits!). While her sisters played with dolls and tea sets, Michelle was always outside looking for critters. That hasn’t changed a bit over the years…..

At least she didn’t bring it home –

It has been such a wonderful journey, watching our little girl grow into a confident woman. We are enjoying the transition from “parents” to “friends” – while we will always be Mom and Dad, it has been wonderful watching Michelle find her way in the world. She is a truly remarkable young woman who isn’t afraid to stand for the courage of her convictions, even when faced with overwhelming opposition. We are so very glad that God made her a part of our family.

Happy Birthday, sweetie – we love you dearly!

Our beautiful girl