When you stop looking, it will find you!

September, September.... you have kept us busy. Miss Jaque Renee' has definatley been loving life in Texarkana. You all will be happy to know that she is a strong, independent Texas A & M student. She is living on her own in the dorms. She makes mall runs and walmart trips solo!! I say on her own, but don't start stressing on me. Blessed with a wonderful support system, assistance is only a phone call or text away. She has started therapy in TK. Fate had her watching Whitley play softball and she met two wonderful ladies that are going to start working with her. So many things have changed with her condition over the last few years. She is healthy and strong. She is regaining trunk strength and the LORD is working on this miracle child. It is humbling to hear these ladies excited and hear them reinforcing the positives we have seen. Jaque sometimes does not give herself enough credit for the changes her body is making. As we all know, Dr McCarthy told her "slow and steady" would be the recovery and he would not doubt anything with our "Jaque Jaque Jaque." The power of the turtle!! She has made some wonderful new friends at school. I can tell that these will last a lifetime for her. Some people are so different from you, but are linked with you on a level that you just cannot explain. Late night laundry, IHOP runs, and making tshirts are the crazy updates that I get on a regular basis. And that classes are hard. Really hard! But I tell her, that is life. As I see her settle into a new life, I catch myself looking back over the last few years. She has really grown up in front of me. I was fourtunate enough to loose my job and be able to spend the last year with her. I went from running late in the am and late getting home, to actually cooking meals and sitting on the porch laughing. And I know that God made my path. My soap box included: get right with God, surround yourself with friends that believe as you do, rid yourself of those that continually try to change your morals, and pray that God is first in your life. As you all know, you cannot have faith enough save anyone but yourself. And no matter how "right" you get with God, JESUS is the only perfect one. So this year she has worked on just that. And her life is flourishing because of those decisions. Young people have many distractions, and it is hard to stay on course. But, I guess that is why God gives them parents. They love us and hate us. We are their best friend and their worst nightmare. We are the voice of praise and the voice in their head. It is so worth it. God has put me personally in the position to share my testimony more the last six months than ever in my life. Glory to him, not to me. But my story is just a touch of what Jaque can and will share. She was recently filmed for a feature in a video about people that love riding in the sand. It will come out in Spring of 2013. http://driftingmass.com/sandpeople_sneakpeek.php The song on it was "If I die young" by the band perry. The song really hit me when I heard her voice and thought of the words that rang so true. I can honestly say she has learned the importance of life. People that have been through something like Jaq have a different perspective than most. When she tells a friend like Caleb, Bradley, Kelsie, Ryan, Deanna, or Randee goodbye and that she loves them, she means it. She says it knowing that you never know what could happen in life. She wants nothing left unsaid, or unknown. When she talks to someone on the elevator that is having trouble, and she takes time to listen, she understands that suicides happen every day. She knows that you could be the difference in them waiting.... She feels things deeper and sometimes forgives to quickly. She seems so stong and couragous, but in the quiet worries when someone doesnt like her. She has never met a stranger, and can talk a brick wall into thinking it is made of stone. She is not perfect, quite far from it. But when she says I love you, she means it. When she makes a friend, its for life. And even her worst enemy, she is glad for the good happening in their lives. And when she falls in love, she does not take it lightly. She has had a wall of rocks (from the lake i think) around her for quite a while. Now, I slowly see it coming down. It is not disappearing, but it is beneath her as a new foundation. This foundation appeared because of a prayer one night while she was alone and close to God. She didnt ask for specifics, just that God make her path clear, and he has done just that. She was good with being single and just being herself. Then, she invited a friend to the lake. Yep.... funny to look back on it now. Needless to say, she now has a boyfriend, Caleb. He is quite the young man, and just as crazy as her. A christian. They seem to push each other...literally..lol....to be better people. They seem to compliment each other well. Where it goes, only God knows. It is nice to see her open up again, and trust. And when she smiles.... you can feel that she means it. Life never gives you a clear cut plan. God sends you the pieces and lets free will take over. They are adorable and amazing. I cannot tell her enough how proud I am of her. She has come so far. She is an amazing young woman. Never take for granted the affect that you have on someone. You can be the change you wish to see in the world, you CAN change a life with a simple hello and sharing your story. It will take courage and you will loose some friends, but when you align your life with God's WILL, it is an AHH HAA moment. Now, she is getting ready for one of the most important events of the year DEER SEASON!!!!! We started this website for family and friends to keep up with her story and progress. I am humbled by the views the page gets. Thank you all for your prayers and your continued support. I appreciate the emails and facebook messages. We are a blessed family for having so many great friends and family in our lives. Until the next update... Love Carol.

August has arrived!

August 25..... Move in day! Jaque's entire life has been such a wonderful journey. Making choices, good and bad, that have led her to the point of packing up and getting ready to branch off on her own. Understanding that she is a hour away, she will be in her own"place" in just a few short weeks. As a parent, you try to think of everything. Everything they need to live, to survive, to make good decisions.. Then, like the day before a big test, you start cramming more! Her class schedule is pretty much in place, and yes, she is nervous about it. Who wouldn't be, it's only the rest of your life. But I have tried to explain to her that she will do great. Half of the battle is being brave enough to roll out on give it a try. The biggest lesson I have learned these 21 + years is to keep God first in everything. When I try to control it, I mess it up. I overanalyzie it. When God leads, you have a conquering attitude, an attitude of knowing that whatever happens HE is there. JAQUE has had a great summer. She has made great new friends and really seems to know where she wans her life to be headed. It sounds crazy, but she seems so much like the " Jaque" we all know and love. I think that kids sometimes try and find their place in the world. They need to know who they are, and often that means trying to fit in to what surrounds them. This works fine .. But for those that listen closely, God just keeps pulling and saying.. More. More. I noticed the big change when Tim Tebow's book showed up in my house. laugh if you must. I am not talking about Tebow, the football player side, but the Christian man side. After a few bad choices in her life, people wise, Jaque made the decision to store the past and look forward to the future. Praying that God would not bring her "someone" specific. Just that God would put her life on his track. She has always been a Christian kid, but maturity comes in knowing that you are worthy of God's grace. She has been working with some young girls in our area on pitching, and that was the second change I saw in her. She became aware of the impact that your words have on young people. Not only their confidence for a sport, but in outlook for life. She became attached to each girl in a different way, and has loved every minute. Her light shines so bright, that I am blessed to say parents and coaches see it too. Not for her glory, but for the glory of her pitching students. Then, one day, she invited a friend to the lake. They had been trying to go fishing together, but it never worked out. So, to the lake we went. Many photos and videos later, what a great summer she has had. Who knows where this path will lead, I have faith that God's plan is working and when you can find two people that bring out the best in each other..... Count your blessings and thank God. He is such a great young man with a wonderful family and an awesome best friend!! Timing is everything, right? I have worked most of my life trying to set an example for Jaque. I have fallen short, but get up every morning trying to be the person that she will be proud of... I had made mistakes, but always wanted to live a life in a way that she could be lead by example. Her life has been about two sections, it seems. Before her accident, and after. When God speaks to your heart, listen. He is telling me that the third chapter has begun. I love the song by Randy Houser, "in God's time". I have mentioned it before, but it is worth everyone pulling it up on u tube. I know that walking is such a big but small part of Jaques complete healing that I have been praying for. God grabbing her heart, bringing someone in her life that is worthy for her and she is worthy for him, having true and honest friends, finding the path meant for her.... Those are miracles as well. I still have no doubt that her body is not done healing, she is truly a beautiful child. I have always told her the greatest anyone will achieve is the lowest of your expectations. I have set my expectations for her very high! Love your children and make sure the path you lay for them can be followed. If you are lecturing them for something, look at your own life and make sure you are living right. In the blink of an eye they can be gone, and you cannot bring them back. Live with no regrets. Make sure they know how proud of them you are, and how being imperfect is ok, God is the only perfect one I know. Do not let bitterness into your relationship. And most of all, say I am sorry when you mess up. My girl, living at college. Wow! I knew this day would come, and I will not cry, but I will rejoice in knowing she is ready! Each day, I wake up thinking I could not be more proud of her, crazy as she is.... And each night I thank the Lord she has surprised me again! Love you all, and thanks for the prayers!

Summer on the Lake

Talk about sun kissed. Yes, Jaque is sporting a beautiful suntan. Broken Bow lake is always so good for the body and the soul. Amazing the wonderful memories that we have had on the lake. I can remember starting off on the bank, just swimming. Then we bought a jet ski. And then came jaque's baby, the mastercraft. Yes, she is old and faded. She has a few bumps and scraps, but the hours that the old boat has given us just cannot be measured. I know that when the bought that boat, we really didn't have the money. But we did it anyway. And many times we went, we literally scrapped for gas.... But we did it anyway. JAQUE learned to ski, tube, knee board, and wakeboard behind that boat. It has just had us, and it has been running over with kids. From family, To softball girls, to church kids, to pouring our teenagers...... We have been so blessed. I would think that if asked, JAQUE would say the most perfect moment in life is on Broken Bow, just before dark, just as the sun is setting...and the water is glassy. It is if God himself comes down and calms everything for a moment and let's life reflect the perfection he blesses us with daily. With the lake comes a freedom like no other. Washing away the sin of life and always bringing us out anew. Refreshing our minds and clearing away and troubles that have come our way. And when you share that with someone, well, it is the best feeling in the world. We all have a "lake" in our life. The question is are you seizing the opportunity to enjoy your time with others that improve your life, or are you too busy and too caught up in whirlwind to notice how short life really is? July 20 will mark my 22 anniversary with Chris. It will mark the fact that JAQUE has been the center of our world for 22 years and three months. Yes, the math is correct. We did it backwards. But never for a moment did we do it incorrectly. The order might have been wrong, but when you find the one that God wants you with it really is just a matter of timing. To all those that supported us, thank you. To all those that doubted us, and prayed... Thank you. To all of those that waited for us to fail, well.... With God first in my life, the devil never stood a chance. I say that to say this, we never really mean to fall in love. When you are looking, it escapes you. When you search, it hides. It is when you stop and take a breath, it catches you. Just make sure you are living for God, And he will lead you down the right path. I found mine in the 7th grade, and we lost each other several times along the way. But our paths were destined. And destiny was for my child to reach this earth. She is my reason for being. She is my purpose. While mowing the yard tonight I had a great conversation with God. He reminded me she is not perfect. He reminded me that he is in control, and that HE saved her. And he reminded me that she has much to do.... Many to touch, and many to show. To show what, I asked. He said courage, grace, and faith. She will be going off to college in the fall. Texarkana A&M campus. With kelsie!! Many people have asked me if I am sad. I am so much the opposite. I have seen her play catch up for four years. I have seen her get knocked down, and pull her self right back up. I have seen others try and sidetrack her path. And she has just rolled around then, even if it meant getting muddy or falling a few times. I so firmly believe that she is on the right road. Cautiously I watch for the devil trying to attack. He tries to grab ahold as a blessing is coming. Poor devil, he does not realize the people that are behind this child. He doesn't realize that as she meets new people, she only gets stronger. I know the plans he has for her. I know her miracles aren't complete. All in his timing. And the best part of all is the smile that she has on her face. Keep her in prayer. You all are the reason that she is so strong. August 25 is move in date..... So save the date lol and send her an email. Look out Texarkana, I am not sure you are ready for Jaque and Kelsie!! I have enjoyed keeping you all up to speed on Jaque, thank you for your support and love. Carol...

Easter Sunday!

Where do I start? All week we have had things come up needing Jaque and me to go out of town. Chris was turkey hunting and it is Easter Sunday. For some reason, we both just needed to stick close to home. Last night,she was even home early. So this morning, we got to church and Baylee and Blayne set by Jaque. I sit by Suzanne and Presley. After a wonderful worship service, a man from our church took center stage. He told us all a story of how God had been speaking to him and wanting him to pray for someone. He said that he was waiting for affirmation that he was suppose to do it, when a strong woman from our church approached him and told him that she wasn't sure why she was telling him this, but God said that he needed to listen and pray for someone. Now bear with my memory. Don't get stuck I the details I might get wrong. Please and thanks. So, he takes off down the isle and walks right up to Jaque. He speaks with her about how God came into his heart. Blayne helps her into her chair. Soon they head up the isle to the alter. He shares with her that God wants her to know that she will walk again. that God wants her to keep faith and know that th miracle is coming. He said, I am not really sur eif it will be today, but he wants you to know it is going to happen. he told her that she had some kind of pain in her life and God wants her free of it. He told her that God wanted to make sure what she knew who was #2 in her life. She said my family. I grinned, but he said it is you Jaque. That your number 2 in your healing. god is 1st. Now this is funny because she had told me this morning on our way out the door that her visit to Texas A&m was great because several people noticed her IAMSECOND bracelet. Now, he is telling her God wants to ensure she knows that she is indeed second. Then he talked with her about the healing God has instore for her. he said he wasnt sure what God had planned, and many of the members of our church came and prayed for her. I heard those loving prayers, hugs, tears.... All around her. It was the Elders and children. It was spectacular. It was wonderful to know that God uses those around us to deliver messages. Those that are faithful to him are bold and confident in making sure we hear his voice. I could type much more about what happens, but not sure I could do it the justice it deserves. I know in my heart that God is working on her. I know the things he has in store, and our church praying for her strengthens the love and Grace. He said that he knew God has great plans for her and a special purpose to fulfill. The past few weeks she has been working with some young softball girls. She is so great with them. She gives them confidence and the attitude they need, not just to get through the game, but to get through life. Also, our tour of Texas A&M Texarkana was great. I think she is secretly already packing. The facilities were great, nice, new and FLAT!! Seems just like that is exactly where her next path leads. And God willing, her friend Kelsie will be there with her. What does God have in store for ms Jaque? I am not quite sure, but I am thankful to be along for a ride. The story of Easter reminds us what price was paid for our salvation. It proved that faith is enough. Praying for those that do not know the love of Jesus is a very important part of being a Christian. Make sure that when they see you, they are seeing something in you that they want for themselves. Make sure they see Jesus. And when he commands you to step up and speak, follow his lead. And as for Ms Jaque and what I witnessed this morning, only one phrase comes to mind. I think I will tag it as the future...... It's NO DOUBT. Amen, and have a wonderful day everyone.

Be Courageous

Last weekend we were blessed with making a trip to Mena, AR to ride. We had family from OKC area and met some great friends as well. One particular instance I want to share is the trail ride. The last trail ride was the "most difficult" trail we had been on the entire trip. Jillian was tired of riding her 90 Polaris, so she got in with me and we took the RZR. Jaque got on her ride and up the mountain we went. Jillian and I were nervous the entire way up... Thinking we had made it to the top, we let our guard down, only to round the corner and have another hill. I told her that I knew we would not drive off the mountain, because we were not going to get going that fast...... And so we followed the group. Jaque rode that little 90 up that mountain, with courage and more importantly without fear. On the steep parts, Chris stayed in front of her to ensure that the wheeler did not tip. Knowing she could do it, but also being there if she should need a hand. Well, Jillian and I thought we might throw up when we got down, we were pretty rattled. But we survived. We lived to tell about it. Lol. And Jaque just kept going, without limits. Then on the last ride, we decided to follow the group to a hidden cave. It was a tight squeeze for the Jeep, but we made it. First, we walked a short distanc to a creek bed, the up it to the cave. Chris told Jaque to hop on and gave her a piggy back ride. The cave was awesome. Soon, someone noticed an opening to go through. The opening was probably three feet tall, and we could see light on the other side. As the group went through one by one, Jaque told Chris to take her back. That it was ok, that she had seen the cave. It was enough. But any of you that know Chris knows that he, like Jaque, has no boundaries. So what did he do? He got down in the bear crawl stance and crawled through the opening, knees in mud and all...... And got her through a part that she could not go at alone. Well, she could... She could have army crawled! Anyway, when we all got through to the other side it was magnificent. It opened up to a beautiful breathtaking view with a waterfall. It was rather large inside, and there were trails leading out of it. Jaque set down and just enjoyed the view. If the limits of the world would have been followed, she would have not seen that cave. But she and Chris pushed the envelope and got to experience the majestic views that it offered. Jaque is doing well in school. She has had to fight some memories of her past the last few months..... But has done so boldly with the help of true, real friends. She is thinking Texarkana A&M maybe in the fall.... lord willing. I cannot ever write enough how proud I m of the person she is becoming. She shared with me that one night, while Chris and I were at the cabin, she had a moment when she knew..... That she just had to pray about her future. She had to pray to God to show her what type of man she needed to wait for, and I believe that the Lord came to her and spoke. Jaque is not perfect. She is a typical 21 years old with all the flaws that go with it. Knowing that she has a moral compass that is trying to work is a wonderful thing. She has been giving some pitching lessons. The girls, ranging from Freshman to 10 years old, have been good for her. (and of course, her cousin Deanna). She is realizing how influential young girls are, and she wants to be a solid and loving figure in their lives. I see her bonding with each girl, building a relationship with them and their parents. I see her making a difference in their lives. And just as equally important..... They are making a difference in her life. When she is ready for a relationship, God will have a wonderful man ready too. She has some really great guy friends, but at 21..... Neither are ready for forever just yet. Of course, I am good with that! Life is to short to let the world limit you to what it expects of you. Set your own limits. Whether you are 21 or 49.... Don't just sit on the sidelines. Press forward and make others around you strive for being more as well. Life will pass you by and before you know it.... It will be gone. Make it worth something. Make it worth it for your family! Show your children that you care and give them the most precious thing you can... Time! You cannot buy it, borrow it, steal it....but it is the most precious thing you have. And when you do that, they will grow up wanting to be the type of person and parent you are. Be the type of dad, mom, or parental figure that gives up selfish time with "your friends" to spend with your kids. As for my Jaque, I feel great things coming in her future. Recently someone asked her if she lowered her standards for a man, since she was in her chair. this young person is new to a chair, and trying to find their way. Jaque said no, I didn't. In fact, I think I raised my standards. And through a connection with my nieces New York Mission work, another friend went to church for the first time, not because of Jaque, but through what witness she gives. God will provide us the tools, he will show us the way, and pave his WILL for our lives. We have the choice to follow his lead. Cast the devil in your life out! Surround yourself with others that have your basic beliefs and see what God can do in your life. It is much easier to follow the devil. But with God with you, who can come against you that you shall fear? No one. Start today, for tomorrow is no guarantee. Chris would literally bear crawl through a cave, climb a mountain, ride a wakeboard with Jaque on his back that see her miss one single opportunity in life. Are you willing to do the same for your kids?

Changing your mind...

It is amazing at the doors God has opened for my family. 2012 has shown to us that is going to be a busy year. That's ok, because if your going to live life to the fullest, might as well be busy, right. For all of you that are facebook fans of with me or Jaque, you know that the jeep has been the big project. One little mud hole, complicated by just a little muddy water getting in places it shouldn't, and ...... Jeep has been out of commission. Jaque and Chris flushed the transmission for several days. We went from chocolate milk to a beautiful strawberry colored milk shake. Neither was good. So, one of our family friends came over and he, Chris, and Jaque took out the old transmission. And what did they find? Good ol McCurtain County Mud. Yep, it was everywhere it could possibly get, and them some. Chris went and bought a creeper so Jaque could get right under there with them. I loved it. That girl is happiest when she is 1-with her dad 2-getting dirty 3-learning stuff only guys usually know! She and chris then took it over and one of his friends talked them through how to rebuild everything in it. It took time, but having an expert helped. So now, they will soon be crawling back under it and putting it back in. The Facebook pictures are awesome. So, now you know what Jaque has been up to. This, and carrying a more than full load at school has kept her busy. So, you all know I am going somewhere, right? God puts us places sometimes where we have a choice, and sometimes we get stuck. We get mud in places we know it shouldn't be. Don't think that you have to get out all alone. First and foremost, he is the number one key in getting out. But notice that when he sends friends by to help you.....that they are a gift from him. He knows that on this earth, you cannot do it alone. And then he a reveals to us experts in the matter. We have a choice whether to use them, or discount them. For us, it was the transmission friend, but a preacher is the number two guy ready and willing to help in times of trouble. Use the resources he sends. They have intimate knowledge of him, and trust yourself. And when he speaks, listen. For his is the truth, the life! The worst thing you can do when your knee deep in the mud and feel there is no way out it to quit moving. Don't keep it in neutral til help comes, keep your engine running and put it in park. Be still and know he is God. And remember, everyone has a day when they have to learn a lesson. That is the beauty of life. And when you learn it, don't go back down that road again.....a.choose a different path. A friend in trouble told me once that they were too far gone, too much had happened in their life for the people around them to forgive them. That they have hurt feelings, and had hurt people that they love. That is never the case, nothing is to hard for God. I guess you could say, be courageous! Yesterday. Met a man that builds braces. He was telling Jaque that the electronic stimulation braces were ten to fifteen years off. He was telling her that they would not be something available in her life time. What did she do when facing this kind of pessimistic attitude? Mentioned her FES bike. He had not heard if it. Then she told him that she was not just sitting around and waiting for something to come along. She was going to do everything possible on her end to be healthy and read... And when (what is already in clinical trial phase) came out, she was going to ready for it. After leaving, we were both talking about how we just didn't get the right feeling that we were in the right place. And God got out attention, and I knew that we were not. So...... He did show her a couple of things, the first being that she is wise beyond her years. Second, that if she wants something, she must be diligent in fighting for it. And third, just because someone has a medical degree, doesn't mean they know squat! Dr McCarthy told her to go after what she wants and never quit. And that is what we have always lived by...set a goal and set it high! She is an overachiever. She attains more that everyone things she can, and then when you tell her it cannot be done, well, she has a way of doing it right in front of you and smiling the entire time. Luckily we have a couple of other brace builders to try... God will be us there. Guess we had to go to a bad one to appreciate the good one we will end up at. I have been trying to get her to let me write the Tim Tebow foundation. Tell her story, and see if she could get an invite to meet him. She said, mom that if for people that have something really wrong with them. And she is wright, it is. And she is correct in that there is nothing wrong with her.....we are blessed in her physical health ands even more so we are blessed in her mental health. She is my hero. She is everything I wish I could be. And as the song goes, I could fly higher that an eagle, and she would be the wind beneath my wings. Life is short. Don't feel sorry fir what you do not have. Money, fame, friends, boyfriends, cars, big house.... God will provide what you need. Have faith in him. And know that your trials on Earth and how your affect others through your witness will show what kind of person you really are. Please everyone continue to pray for Kirk Storey. He is still in hospital and is loved dearly by our family. And be a positive influence on someone today. Even if you think no one is watching, they are...lead by the example you set for your life. Don't say, when I grow up I am going to be a good witness for God. Do it today, don't wait for tomorrow, for we are never guaranteed time. Much love to you all. Carol

Looks Like We Made It!!

I joked with Jaque tonight. I said you cannot go anywhere. That way when you turn 21..... You will be right here with me and your dad. Selfish, you Bet. She laughed. Hadn't planned on going anywhere anyway. Giggling, she said that if she had really wanted to go somewhere, I would have not minded. She is right, we have come a long way in 21 years. It started as a nervous night. Chris had just graduated. Me, it was the summer of my senior year. We had failed to be smart, and wait. But chris gathered the courage to come with me to tell our parents. I will never forget my dAds words..he said "you don't HAVE to marry her" Lol. Chris said, no I want to marry her. Funny now, but I cannot imagine what my parents were thinking. Now this was 1990. It was uncommon. But we made it work. With lots of help from Mimi Kay and grandma Donna, I made it through high school with good grades. Chris worked for my dad. Failure was not an option. We might have started our family too soon, but that would be the only regret we would have concerning our family. Jaque fought hard to get into this world. The morning I went into labor, they put me in a room to wait. As I laid there hurting, they decided to put a monitor on her. As we watched the monitor motion her heart beat....we listened to our new world waiting to arrive. And our little girl was in trouble. The heart beat and the monitor did not match, she had slowed breathing and the room went into overdrive. All I remember is that she was coming on strong, and soon i would have a Cody Wade.yes, I was having a boy! They handed Chris a huge stack of papers to sign, and rushed me in for a emergency c section. In the true sense of the word, knock mom out.....start cutting. I awoke about three hours later to learn that Cody did not arrive as planned. Instead my world with Jaque Renee' began. In true Jaque style, she mastered everything in life quickly. Walking, talking, climbing on refrigerators, etc.. If it could be done in record time, she was determined to do it. we soon realized that we did not have a girl that wanted bows and sweaters, yes.. We had a little tomboy. Couldn't have drawn her better myself. School was just a thing that kept her... But she has always been born to be on the go. She has always love to be busy,but the best times have been with her dad. little sahara, 4wheeling, hunting, fishing, frog gigging, fire building, swimming, wake boarding, anywhere he went, so did she. Then mom, yes I understand my place, and I love it. Food, clothing, and clean shelter. A shoulder to cry on every now and then....and I honestly feel like the luckiest woman on earth for it. In the few times that Jaque has been in trouble in her life, dad is what she wanted. A collision between first and pitchers mound between her and Dakota white... Where is my daddy? In trouble at school for hitting boys....just wait until I tell my daddy! Jeep stuck in mud....daddy?!? And the night of her wreck.... Just don't let me die dad, just don't let me die! Yes, it was a tear jerker, but she said dad don't let me die and I am gonna be ok, you just don't let me die. That's her, he held up his end, and Lordy...she is holding up hers. I am so proud of the spot we are tonight. I have a almost 21 year old daughter that I love. And she loves us. We speak hourly...we eat almost ever meal together. We talk, we witness to each other. She is single and she knows exactly what her next boyfriend will be expected to be like. Yes, like her daddy. She is an Imperfect girl that loves to have fun, but is learning what fun really is. She is learning that when kids look up to you, you are the example that they want to be when they grow up. She knows that God is #1 and she is second. She is not afraid to admit what God has done for her, and not afraid to step up in defense of others. She always forgives those who have wronged her, and thinks that anyone can change if they really want. She gives second, third, etc chances and believes the best in people. She admit when she is wrong, and knows she is not perfect. She knows God is working on her and she is gearing up for the challenge. She believes in herself, but more importantly has the ability to make others around her be lifted up. I could go on for hours, but in the list that I could write on "what I want my child to be at 21" she pretty much blows my list away. I could not be any more proud and humbled that God chose me to be her mother. And that he picked chris for her dad. Life is a gift from God. my relationship with my daughter in these 21 years has been more than I ever dreamed it would be. I have not doubt that she will achieve all her dreams through Christ, he gives her her strength. May she be blessed for the rest of her days, may God reveal a wonderful man for her, and may she share her story with others...changing lives along the way. If you are reading this and want that kind of relationship with your child, it is not something to envy. It is simple, make God #1 and put your kids above everything else and directly in his hands. The Lord will pave your path, you just have to have the courage and strength and dedication to follow it. Happy happy birthday baby! I love you!