Happy birthday, Cate!
You’re the one who made me a mom. I was reflecting on your life this morning when I woke up too early and remembered how perfect it is to have your birthday sandwiched between my birthday and Mother’s Day. Your life has been a gift to mine since you came into this world three days after I turned 28.
We spent my first Mother’s Day in a hotel waiting for clearance to come home from Indiana as part of the interstate adoption process. Of course, I’m forever grateful to your courageous birth mom who chose life for you and chose us to be your parents. Your life is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and provision.
Now you’re 14.
You love to play basketball, listen to Florida Georgia Line, and read (and re-read) fantasy and dystopian books. I still don’t understand your love of Crocs and distressed jeans, but you don’t understand why I love the 90s songs that I introduce you to. Even so, I loved shopping with you and our best friends last weekend.
You’ve got a great group of friends from school, have become a leader on the basketball court and in the classroom, and enjoy the church move we recently made. You started wearing glasses in March, not long after you were the sole case COVID in our household. It’s been a weird year, but you’ve worn when your mask when necessary and navigated life with such grace. I loved sitting with you at St. Pete Beach for Spring Break and just chit-chatting about life.
Cate, I’m proud of the confidence you’ve developed in who God created you to be. You’re smart, funny, and responsible. I am thankful for the ways you help around the house and set an example for your younger brother and sister. I love sharing this birthday week with you (and Dozer) and, more importantly, all the days our lives. What a joy it is to be your mom.
Happy birthday, Catherine Anna! Your life is truly a gift.
*****
Cate through the years on her birthday: One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Baptism. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve. Thirteen. Of course, you can read more about her birth, adoption story, and early life in my book, “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” too.
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