“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey…”
I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve sang that song to you in the past 10, almost 11, months. I’d be writing this from our million dollar beachfront mansion if that gives you any idea.
It’s a song my mom always sang to me, but that’s not necessarily why I always sing it to you. I sing it because it’s true. You’ve been such a bright light of happiness for our family in our darkest hours, and you even manage to lighten up the ones that aren’t dark at all.
You and daddy on his FIRST Father’s Day!
Just as an example, last week, when the family was over celebrating your daddy’s first Father’s Day, I couldn’t help but notice that everyone in the room was just watching you and smiling. The way you study each little toy, randomly point at people, shout out big happy noises, and then give your bashful little smile to someone. You have become the light of all of our lives.
You did that before you even arrived. I found out I was pregnant with you right around the same time your daddy found out about needing all his surgeries. I just remember there being such an onslaught of bad news but I just kept thinking “It’s ok. We can handle it. I’m pregnant!”
Knowing that your little life was there growing made us know that we would get through whatever came our way because now we had a greater purpose. We were creating a little life, our next generation, and we were going to get as healthy as possible to do that and enjoy it. You were the little light at the end of that dark tunnel.
Then, when you did arrive, your daddy was going through a different set of surgeries and recovery. But he wanted to hold you and keep up with you, so he got stronger and more mobile so he could hold you, take care of you, and be an active part of your life. You were the sunshine that gave him the energy he needed to recover.
Father’s Day was one of the first times that we have been able to enjoy a family get-together here at the house when your daddy wasn’t in a wheelchair, walker, or using a cane. I had a little moment where I realized this and just said a little mental thank you to you.
Thank you for being the little flicker of light leading us through that dark tunnel. Our sunshine when skies were grey. And now, the absolute light of our lives. Thank you, thank you, thank you.