Happy Birthday Ramona,

You have made this year the most exciting of my life. You have taught me to value life. You have shown me how to lean on others and on God.

You are a sweet girl, Ramona. You show love easily, take things as they come and make the best of every situation. You have a beautiful smile and a way of making ordinary things fun. You’re a companion and cohort for Simon. You melt your Papa’s heart.

You made it to one year! You’ve battled through surgeries, colds, withdrawals, feeding tubes and more and you’re still here and still smiling.

I can’t wait to see what this next year will bring for you, sweet Mona Mae. I pray for more healing, for hopes to be fulfilled, for fears to be diminished.

Mommy.

Thanks to everyone who has helped our family get through this first year. For all the late-night vigils, for the meals, the phone calls and the prayers. Thanks to the doctors and therapists who have cared for her and continue to prepare us for the long road ahead. Thanks be to God for protecting her innocence and Simon’s and for keeping Andy and I strong through all of this.

birthdaymona.jpg