The Wonderfully Made Life : . . . and then she was FIVE

Lucy turned FIVE today. I don't really know how that's possible and I wasn't really prepared for the flood of mixed emotions that hit my heart today, as precious memories of both Girls came to mind. FIVE - it's a huge milestone for Lucy, and I remember well celebrating Ellie Kate's fifth birthday . . . wasn't that just a couple of years ago? How is it that time crawls by and goes at lightening speed, all at the same time?!

Ellie Kate, 2005

Lucy Belle, 2011

It hit me today - Ellie Kate was five when Lucy was born. That seems unreal to me! Once Ellie turned five years old, we barely had two additional years with her. Lucy is now only two years away from the age Ellie Kate was when she left this earth and ran into the arms of Jesus. It's sobering and confusing and gut-wrenching; it's a roller-coaster of emotion in every possible way, bringing up fears and questions and doubts.

Ellie Kate, age 4

Lucy Belle, age 4

Ellie Kate, 2006

Lucy Belle, 2011

It's a step of faith - loving someone in a fragile state because there is so much at stake. There is so much on the line for oneself, for one's well-being, but true love doesn't think of oneself, does it? True love puts another person above your own desires and feelings, in every possible way, and Jesus is the perfect example of that. God the Father knew, when He sent Jesus to earth, that His only Son would one day die a terrible, painful, earthly death. He knew it and He continued to love Him like only a perfect Father can, providing His every need and being there at all times. As Believers, we die to ourselves and as parents, we love recklessly with every fiber of our beings, no matter the consequence, no matter how much it may hurt. And that is how we will continue to love Lucy, just as we loved her Big Sister.

Ellie Kate, age Five

Lucy Belle, age Five

Our Sweet, "Beautiful Light". Our unexpected Baby, our Lucy Belle McLaughlin. She has brought so much joy, so much hope, so much laughter. God has given us the gift of enjoying life through death, because of Lucy. His ways are ALWAYS higher. His plans are ALWAYS better than what we could ever hope or dream-up on our own! I'm so grateful that the Lord created Lucy and gave her to us at the absolute perfect time for Ellie Kate, for me, for Mike, for Conner, and for Henry. God gives GOOD and perfect gifts, and that is exactly what we have in Miss Lucy.

Oh, Father! Thank you for the precious, priceless gift of our Lucy. I can never express my gratefulness for her Little Life! Thank you for giving Lucy to us at the perfect time and thank you for granting us dreams better than we could ever hope for! Thank you for healing my heart through Lucy Belle. Thank you for the precious gift of Ellie Kate and Lucy being so close in appearance and mannerisms and for daily reminding us of how richly you truly have blessed us. May we never forget your goodness, your kindness and your faithfulness to our Family. We are so unworthy, Father. We give you Lucy and ask that you continue to orchestrate her life according to your plans.