1 Year Ago Today

My wife does most of the posting on this blog, but she is asleep and we really wanted to post something today, so here it is.

Lilly was born one year ago today. She was so perfect in everyway. Jenn doesn't remember a whole lot about that day, but as a first time Dad I remember everything pretty well. I cried a little bit today on the memory of when Lilly first curled her little left hand around my finger. Even though she was technically wrapped around my finger, we all know it was quite the opposite. She came into this world at 8 lbs. and 20 in. long. She was always sweet. She absolutely loved her Mom. She loved when I was silly and when I would speed walk with her, but when she needed comfort her Mom's chest was the only thing that would offer what she needed. She had the world's most beautiful smile for everyone she saw. There were countless times where you were not even looking at her, and then would turn to find her, and she would just be smiling at you. Unfortunately she had to leave us way too soon, but we cherish everything she left us with. First, our memories of every moment with her. Second, a new perspective on life - so many things that seemed so important are just not. Jenn and I will forever be changed and will cling to the things that matter and will fight for them. Third, a closer marriage - Jenn and I have survived and came out a much stronger pair than before. Finally, an appreciation for being surround with prayer. I got no fewer than 30 texts today from friends, family, coworkers, and mere acquaintances. Each message offering prayers and thoughts. The prayers surround us, they comfort us, they give us strength, and they give us happiness in tough times.

We would have loved to have been throwing the best, most pink birthday party a Dad could stand today. Instead, Jenn and I spent a great day together doing all kinds of stuff. Mainly we just spent some good quality time, and just continued going through life together. We were given one big surprise though. Sherry somehow organized with Mark Cuban, that’s right the Mark Cuban, tickets to the Mavs game tonight. It was a surprise. Oh yeah, when I say tickets I mean 4th row courtside seats. I think Dirk got sweat on me. The Lord works in very strange ways. Did I ever think he would bring my day up through Mark Cuban? I think you can answer that one for yourself. Mr. Cuban, thanks so much for the opportunity tonight. It truly brightened our day and will be a memory we will always cherish. We were huge Mavs fans to begin with (including 2 game sevens), but we will forever be fans and grateful to you for your kindness tonight. God bless you.

If anyone is curious what they could do for us or in memory of Lilly today and this week. We really ask you this. Pray. Pray for us. Pray for yourselves. Pray for your family and your friends. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for your enemies. Pray for our country and its leaders. Pray for forgiveness. Thank him for everything he does for us, gives us, and for the things we never see, but that he has a hand in. In my mind that is what would truly honor Lilly today. We’d love for heaven to be flooded with prayers in honor of her. I pray that God gave Lilly a celebration today, a celebration her Mom and I, though we would have tried, would never have been able to match. I also pray thanks to God. Though we are sad we are truly blessed.

To everyone that sees this blog. Thanks for checking in on us. We will continue to keep everyone updated. God bless.

I put some pictures of her birthday below.