Today is Renae’s birthday. Twenty six years ago today she entered our world and things have never been the same.
She was born in Edmond, Oklahoma. Before the days of cell phones. I was at church, along with everybody else Rhonda knew. In retrospect, leaving Rhonda alone was foolish. Bags packed, sitting near the doorway – during church services the contractions started. Home alone is not how you want to be when you’re 9-months pregnant. Luckily, I arrived and discovered “it was time.” A long night followed. About 14 hours or so later, Renae was born. We were all exhausted. Thankful, but exhausted.
Twice in my life I’ve been blessed to be a father. Twice I’ve had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude that can only be experienced when a child is born – your child. Your wife. Impacting your life, forever!
Rhonda and I were 24. Ryan was 15 months old. With Renae’s entrance – our family was complete. We had little concept of how complete it really was. Renae wasn’t last. She was the finishing touch on our young family. The crown jewel.
Blessed doesn’t begin to describe my life as Renae’s father. Or as Ryan’s father. Or as Rhonda’s husband. But this isn’t about me – it’s about Renae, my daughter. Today we celebrate her grand arrival. We celebrate how void our lives would be without her. We celebrate the impact she’s had on all of our lives.
Many thoughts rush my mind, but today I want to simply be thankful that she’s part of my life.
Happy Birthday, Sis!
I love you.
Dad
Read more of my thoughts about Renae here.
