Today is my oldest daughter’s birthday.

I would not want to embarrass her by giving away her age, so I will just say she is half way to 82. As a matter of fact, she is in the Steve’s Story logo above. That picture was taken on a Mission Serve trip to Cancun, Mexico.

One of the most thrilling days of my life was the day she was born in Orangeburg, SC. It was fitting that she was born during the morning worship time on a Sunday morning. Jan and I were old school and did not have a gender reveal–as a matter of fact we had no idea. The gender reveal was the moment the doctor said, “It’s a girl!”

I don’t think I have ever been so proud as the moment I held her up in the nursery for family and friends to see. My mother declared her to be a native American Indian (still not sure where that came from) and Jan’s mother immediately kicked into grandma mode. I really appreciated grandma Pat…the Lamaze classes did not prepare me adequately for those first diaper changes.

All I really knew was that she was perfect!

Watching her grow up was such a joy. Taking her to my softball games, going on mission trips together, watching her cheer, and just doing life together has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Watching her move away to college, finding the love of her life and starting a family just added to the joy. When Andrew, her first boy, was born I saw in her face the same joy and pride I felt on the day she was born.

One of the blessings of life is that we get to share it with family. I am so very proud of Heather and all of her accomplishments in life. Being half way to 82 is not so bad. Some of the greatest adventures of life are just ahead.

I love you Heather.

This is my story…