Friday, February 12, 2010

My Baby Turns 21 Today

Today my son Daniel turns 21. I am finding I have many emotions that are going along with this special birthday. I keep thinking of how things could have been. He should be out serving the Lord on a mission and due to come home with in the next few months but he isn't. Daniel can't go on a mission or to college because he is disabled. But, very often I have to remind myself that what could be doesn't matter and I need to focus on the good I have and what the eternal perspective with Daniel is. That really makes me feel better. I hope I have explained this right. This is all so hard to put into words. Here is a picture that was taken at the hospital on Feb. 15th the day he came home from the hospital. Below is a little talk I wrote that a lady asked me to do as part of her Relief Society Lesson many years ago. This explains a lot of how I feet about Daniel then and really how I still feel about him now. I love him soooo much.










I am so grateful that I have Daniel in my life. He is so cute, loving and sweet. We are truly blessed to have him in our family. Tom and I are honored to be his parents.



8 comments:

Grandma Honey said...

This made me cry. Happy tears. I think that quote sums it up perfectly: "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."

You must be very special to have been chosen to be Daniel's mother. I know you are.

Susan Rozier said...

Dear Karen,

Thanks for sharing this tender story. You are such a good example to all of us. You're right, Daniel is a deal.

Fondly, Susan

Susan said...

Happy Birthday Daniel! Thank you sharing your talk.

Robin said...

Karen thank you for sharing what you wrote for that RS lesson. You are very gifted in your ability to express meaningful and important things. I know all of my children have been blessed to have Daniel for a cousin - they understand things and know things that they would not otherwise know. They are comfortable with people who are different from themselves and I think they have insight. Truly this is a blessing in their lives. WE ALL know that Daniel is very special and we are just hoping that he will hold the gate open to heaven so we can slip in behind him. He is lucky to have you and Tom for parents.

Uncle Tom said...

There is no greater blessing in my life than my son Daniel. He is a perfect human being.

Anonymous said...

very cute. i'm glad i know Daniel too he has taught me a lot.

P.S.
I love the new background it is sooo cute. :)

**Brooke**

Cathy and Bob Sampert said...

What a great talk! Thanks so much for sharing it! I'm glad that you have such a great attitude and have been so blessed by Daniel--he's so lucky to have parents like you!

Kris said...

Wow Karen. Such beautiful and poignant words you've written. You are such an amazing mother and I admire you very, very much.