Pinches and Blessings

I have to pinch myself sometimes.

Today is one of those days.

I'm up with the chickens and will load the truck at 7:15, leave at 7:30 to arrive at Farmer's Market to set up at 8:00 so we're ready to open at 9:00. For three hours we'll talk to customers, sell, visit and enjoy the atmosphere. Then it all goes in reverse – pack, load, leave.

Today is a bit different. I'm meeting my friend Mary at 1:30 and we'll set up a new retail customer with her honey and my “stuff”. I'll probably stop by the bank and do a couple of errands before dragging home exhausted and brain dead.

A regular day.

But it's not.

Despite the hustle and bustle it's a very special day - it's my Cindy's birthday. And all day long I'll be holding her close to my heart; remembering who she was, rejoicing in who she has become.

As with most firstborns we have plenty of photos of this small bald girl that came to us thirty three years ago today. So tiny, so sweet. We had no way of knowing that she carried the heart of a lion - full of passion and beauty and grace. We had no way of knowing that her Viking blood would bring forth her inner Warrior Princess - one who would fight for right. We had no way of knowing that she embodied the spirit of Tigger – joy and energy and enthusiasm. We had no way of knowing who she would become.

Today I know. Today I am honored to know the awesome woman my Cindy has become. My daughter is my hero. I find myself humbled and grateful to have been and to be a part of her life.

And I have to pinch myself, because my fondest dreams for the kind of woman she would be have not just come true, but are true and good and just and right beyond my wildest dreams.

Happy Birthday Baby. I love you.