Happy Birthday To The Girl I Always Dreamed About

Published on Monday, January 11, 2010 by Katherine

I vividly remember dreams throughout my life of a little girl that I knew would be my daughter. These dreams began as early as first grade. And even then, I knew I would name her Elizabeth.

I was blessed with two amazing boys, both of whom I wouldn’t trade for the world. OR for a little girl. But my heart always remembered that protective feeling I had in my dreams towards a tiny little stranger. A little girl that was a part of me, yet her own self.

Around the time I had my second son, my father was dying of cancer. One afternoon when we were talking I said, “Dad, if you get to heaven before I do, would you send me a little girl?” He half smiled and said, “We’ll see….” It was only a moment, but one more significant than I knew at the time.

My third pregnancy was quite an unexpected surprise. My marriage wasn’t happy, money was less than plentiful, and I was getting older. The future was uncertain, except for a little baby that was destined to arrive in nine months.

I’ll never forget the ultrasound. Flat on the table, not even daring to think it might be a girl. Afraid to even hope. After all, my boys were amazing. As long as the baby was healthy, I would be happy.

When the technician told me the baby looked completely and absolutely perfect, I was finally able to relax. And then the tech smirked a bit and sing-songed, “I think I know what it isssssss! But I won’t tell you until I am done.” My heart began to flutter. And spin. And flip flop. And then she softly whispered to me, oh so softly, “it’s a girl.”

I began to weep. My father had given me the greatest gift of all. A daughter. Hand selected, might I add.

When Elizabeth was a toddler, she would tell me she remembered Papa. This memory faded with age, but is burned in to my heart forever. Of course she remembered my father. He was the first to hold her out of my entire family.

And here I am today, nine years later, with my girl at my side. This beautiful, long-legged, graceful red-headed creature. Amazingly bright, creative, nurturing and funny. She can hold her own against her big brothers, and in turn can laugh with them harder than anyone.

My daughter has baited the hook and in turn caught the biggest bass of all of us. And in the next step, she can dress in the most stunning, elegant and yet simple dress, happy at her young femininity.

When my close friend first saw her as a newborn, she smiled and said, “Katherine, she is an old soul.” And indeed she is. I can see years of knowledge in those deep blue eyes. Her taste in simple elegance and natural compassion for others reveals wisdom beyond her years.

This little girl that I dreamed about all my life is next to me as I type. Her eyes are heavy as she begins to fall asleep. But I kept her awake for a minute more in order to kiss her cheeks and forehead. “What is it mom?” “I just wanted to kiss you a few more times while you are eight.”

Thank you Dad, for this wonderful gift. And Happy 9^th Birthday honey. I thank God for you every day.