Some moms look like this after birth. Tired, sweaty and exhausted.
Some moms look like this. They wear hoop earrings and heels.
Some are glad this day is over.
Some are glad this day finally came.
On this day, 2 years ago, that was me. I simply hoped she came. And she did. Finally. And when she came in to this world everything changed for me. Everything.
The day Remi was born was, unfortunately, not the most eventful day in my life. I hate to admit that. It was eventful, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't the most eventful. The day Elisha was born was the most eventful day. Because I only had two hours to spend with him. Every second counted. My wish was to make every second last...forever. But I couldn't. Time ticked away. And so began a process of grieving and mourning and crying and breaking.
And then Remi.
See, when she came in to the world time didn't tick away. It just stopped. Suddenly. And on that day, my arms, which had been so heavy with emptiness - were full. And my heart, which had been so devastatingly broken - beat again. And my home, which had been so quiet for so long - was loud again. That was 2 years ago, today.
Happy Birthday Remi Hope Radke.
"But HOPE that is seen is no HOPE at all. Who HOPES for what he already has? But if we HOPE for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Romans 8:24, 25)
P.S. You there! Yes, you. Just wanted to remind you that joy, does indeed, come in the mourning.
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22 comments:
Enjoy your trip to Toys -R-Us!! Celebrate with great abandonment!!
We celebrate with you!!
Kate
Happy Birthday Remi!
Melissa-
So happy for you and Happy Birthday to Remi!
I too know the feeling of empty arms and God did "exceeding abundantly" for us!
Thanks for sharing your letter on mother's day. It's such a very difficult day for many.
God's using you! Keep fighting the good fight!
Alicia
Happy Birthday Remi! Don't tell David but Remi was calling another man Daddy at church last night. She really wanted to go home w/Mr. Gary and Ms. Ashley when they left. She insisted that Mr. Gary put down another child so that he could hold her. What a diva. I don't know where she gets it?
Beautiful Post. Beautiful picture of Remi in her tutu and pink Converses. Beautiful story. I'm going with the theme of Beautiful. Can you tell?
Wow!!! I can't believe its been TWO years!! Tell Remi I said Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday, Remi Hope! You are cute as a button with, by far, the best hair a two year old has ever seen.
Such a beautiful and poignant post. And, the fact that she is wearing pink converse makes be giddy. Absolutely giddy.
What an inspiration you are. I feel honored to read this post. I know that sounds strange, but that's how I feel.
I am so thrilled for your full arms. (or, as my son says, "Mom, I just love your meaty arms.)
Your posts consistantly evoke strong emotions in me as a reader. You are either making me laugh VERY hard or making me cry, equally as hard. Today's post, I did both. It was beautifully put! Happy Birthday, Remi!!!!
Love your blog. I just stumbled across it somehow. Not even sure how I got here. I hope your beautiful daughter has an awesome Birthday.
What a precious thing to celebrate. I have seen the joy that she's brought back to your face. And I love, love, LOVE that verse. Thanks for the reminder.
That is our verse for Eliza too, who was to be Eliza Hope but we instead chose to name her after the woman who brought her into the world and was brave enough to give her the life she could not. Eliza Isabel Marta.
Remi... OH HAPPY DAY! And may next year be stocked full of so much more for you and your mommy!
Happy Birthday!
Beautifully said - as always. I love to see the joy that Remi brings to your life.....she is a very special little girl brought to you is a very special way.
Now go spoil her rotten!
Oh, Melissa. I have no words. What a beautiful tribute and I'm so glad your arms are full again. Happy Birthday, Remi!!
OH MY! What a beautiful day that was -and still is as we remember the day Remi Hope came into our lives! I could feel all the emotions all over again as you relived each moment....."Beautiful" is a great theme!...Beautiful gift, beautiful baby girl, beautiful smile on a beautiful Mom so happy to be so full again! I love, love, love this blog more than so many others because it celebrates our little "Remster". Happy birthday sweet girl! Aunt Kelli loves you to pieces!
Happy Birthday Rem Rem!!! Thank you for making your Mommy & Daddy so happy!!!
Wes, Gracie & I love you, your Mommy & Daddy very much!!!
April
What a great post! And guess what, today my daughter turned 8!! I don't post publicly about her anymore because she gets upset...so I posted my American Idol recap instead. Happy Birthday sweet Remi!
Today is Sam's birthday too!!!
Someone ask me once "What was the most memorable moment in your life and it cannot be the birth of your child". Mine was still Sam's birth because having someone place their child in your arms to take and care and love for life, is the most memorable moment hands down!!
Happy Birthday Remi!
Love, Randi
Happy Bithday Remi.....We love you and can't wait to see you again..Can't believe it has been 2 years. Time flies. I will try to send a present with Aunt Net. Melissa...that gave me hope that my day will come. Thank you.
Michelle
Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter!
Reading your post I cried... for your heartache and for your fullness.
Blessings to you and your family today and everyday.
Thank you for sharing that.
I realize this is late, but I did only just find your blog today...
hope she had a great birthday!!!
and the post made me cry....
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