You Are My Sunshine

Happy birthday, Sunshine. Where did the time go? Weren’t you just born yesterday? It is unbelievable how quickly time passes.

You were the grandchild with the special task, and you performed it very well. It was your job to unlock the “grand” gene and show Papa and me all the wonders of being a grandparent. Who knew how much fun and joy having grandchildren would bring? You were a wonderful teacher.

Papa and I have been part of your life since before you were born. When you were still very young inside your mother, she began having some trouble with the pregnancy. Your daddy called for help. Papa and I took your daddy and mama to the emergency room. While the doctor took care of your mama, Papa and I prayed and prayed that you would be safe. We are so very grateful to God that He answered that prayer.

Papa, your aunt, and I were standing outside the hospital door when you gave your first cry. We heard you! Oh, what a joyful moment that was! That first hour we waited anxiously to meet you as the passing minutes hung heavily in the air like raindrops suspended in time. When we were finally allowed into the room, your daddy was sitting in a rocking chair holding a tiny bundle. While Kiki checked on your mother, we met you for the very first time. Your daddy was so proud! That was a very special moment for all of us as we rejoiced together about your arrival.

The next day Papa and I took off work so we could go see you again at the hospital. Your aunt was going to meet us there. I have a very vivid memory of wearing a bright pink skirt and blouse that day. Papa and I stopped at a store to get something for your mama (flowers, I think), and a lady I had never seen before approached me. “Your hair is so beautiful!” I was very surprised and managed to say thank you and started to walk away. She wasn’t finished. “Who does your hair?” I politely told her. We were in a hurry to see you and once again tried to leave. But the lady took a piece of paper and a pen out of her purse and made me repeat the information while she wrote it down. The whole thing seemed so very odd to me. But in hindsight, I think it makes perfect sense. It wasn’t my hair that was the standout that day but the joy in my spirit. The happiness in my heart. The light in my eyes. The change in my life that you brought simply by being born. Joy is not as easily definable as a good haircut, so that’s where the focus went. She wasn’t sure what I had, but she wanted it!

Like your daddy, you were born with an outstanding personality. How fun it was to get to know this new little person! We have so many wonderful memories with you, many of which are recorded in photographs. We got to see you often and even babysat a lot when your mama and daddy needed a break.

You and your daddy came to live with Papa and me when you were about a year old. We taught you so many things! We took care of you a lot while your daddy worked nights and went to school during the day. It was a very hard time for him.

Back in those days when we were all still a family, our little house was full of people, but was even more full of love and happiness. You used to sit in the rocking chair with me on dark winter days watching ice skating together. You used to climb in my lap when I was looking at a magazine and commandeer it, turning every page and pointing to the pictures. We spent many hours in this activity! You loved to sit in my lap when I was holding a bag of crackers I had seasoned. How you loved those things! It hasn’t been that long ago that we made another batch together. And we can’t forget the hours you and Papa spent playing Knock-You-Over. Papa went through a very difficult health problem, and you were his bright spot. I think he recovered more quickly because of you. Those were some very hard times for our family, but God brought us through it, and you were a knot that tied us all together. We all needed each other.

There really is no explanation as to why people “connect”, but you and I are kindred spirits. I guess it’s a special bond God gave us. I remember one day a couple of years ago when you were visiting us. You are always so happy to be with us. When your daddy came, you turned into a sullen mess. You pouted, you wouldn’t talk, you cried–you were in a mood. Your daddy was patient to a point then demanded to know what was wrong. You absolutely would not cooperate. I stood there trying to take it all in, trying to figure out what was wrong. Then, with God-given insight, it hit me. I said to you, “I know what it is. I know what is wrong.” Your face showed a glimmer of hope and you asked me, “What?” “You want someone to already KNOW what is wrong without you having to say it. You are upset because…” (I don’t remember what the actual problem was). You jumped off the couch and said, “YES!” You became your happy self again and hugged everyone. I was so grateful God showed me that what you really wanted, needed, was to be understood. Don’t we all?

Papa and I were there for every milestone in your life. Our love has grown for you over the years as it has for all our Sunshines. I hope you still know that. The bridge that connects us has fallen and we aren’t allowed to see you any more. We aren’t allowed to celebrate your birthday with you. But no one can stop us from celebrating you in our hearts. Today, Sunshine, you are first in my thoughts. Papa and I love you so very much, and nothing can ever change that.

Heavenly Father, I pray a double portion of Your blessing on her today. Lift her up and give her a happiness, a joy that can only come from You. Help her to remember how much she is loved. Wrap her in Your love today and let her feel Your presence in her life. She deserves a really special day, Lord, and I’m asking You to give her one. Thank You for bringing her into our lives. We have been so blessed.