It’s hard to look back on the last year and not be filled with complete and total gratitude. 

Because, God gave us YOU in 2019.

You were with us through the uncertainty as we wondered how we would be okay with extra medical bills and only one income.

You were with us when your grandfather became ill for the last time and we spent days with him until he took his last breath.

You were with us when I whispered to your grandfather, that we had named you Jimmie, after him.

Your birth was full of emotion. After delivering your big sister still, in August of 2017, your birth was so emotional for all of us. 

Jimmie, through all of the loss and heartache that came this year, we thank God for you. 

I recently read something that your sister Trinity wrote the year Mary-Linda died. She told of her dad answering the phone and how she heard a sound like nothing she had ever heard before and she knew something terrible had happened. She wrote “my sister is dead.” Trinity was nearly 9 years old at the time. But, reading those words last week, made the heartache that these older children have experienced, so much more real. We have been through such a difficult time. Losing my dad, Grandfather, just as we were expecting you, was just so hard. 

I am so grateful they were able to be in the hospital room when you were born, crying, peeing (immediately!) and soothed on your momma’s chest. 

You have his blue eyes and his smile.

Thankful for 2019. If I’m being honest, I’m Thankful it’s over. And, thankful for Jimmie and all of my beautiful children. I pray for health and healing for all of us in 2020. Much love to all of you, our families and especially Grandma, Jiddy and Grandmother.