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Sunday, July 16, 2006

This Young Lady...


This young lady drove me around today...no, not the one in the green...that would be me...about 16 years ago. The young lady I'm holding is my beautiful niece, "B". She celebrated her sweet-16 Saturday and came to OKC for a babysitting job this week.

We took her to church and she drove us to lunch afterward (in my treasured 'Maxx', no less). It is almost a surreal experience...remembering this day; I held her so clearly and then holding her hand as she stood shoulder to shoulder with me, in church today.

People have often thought she is my own daughter because our physical resemblance is so striking. This is a picture of both of us at 5 y.o. It's not a great shot but with the exception of her coloring and lips, and my left-handedness we are pretty much 'spittin' images'. The physical resemblance is virtually all we share. She is someone I would choose as a friend, even if we weren't family.

I'm so glad I get to be her "Aunt" because we can have fun and she can confide in me and I get to enjoy the fruits of her parents' labor! I don't have to be yet another parental figure, I get to be her friend and hopefully a mentor as well.

She is the most gentle spirit and has an incredible gift of Mercy for people and animals alike. She has always befriended the unfriendly and the friendless and finds a positive light for each soul she encounters. She still maintains this sweet demeanor and I don't doubt that she will carry it with her throughout her lifetime and into whatever career she chooses to pursue.


Meet my niece "B". She is one of my favorite things about life. She is light on a dark day. She is part of the hope I have for motherhood. I know God smiled the day she was created and I know He smiles today at this beautiful young woman she is becoming!

God bless you "B" and Happy 16th Birthday. May your life be immersed in love both inward and outward! Remember who your Father is!

Thank you to my sister for being "B's" earthly mother and for modeling, molding, and 'reinforcing' the qualities that shine in "B" today!

8 comments:

Tammy said...

Hi- I'm Tammy and am visiting for the first time. What a very sweet post! I love these pictures. She is very lucky to have such a loving aunt!
Blessings,
~Tammy
PS...although my kids are still young, it reminds me of how I remember when one of my friends had her baby and she let me be in the delivery room. That baby is now turning 18 next month!!!
Stop by anytime...
Blessings,
~Tammy

Joy M. said...

Wow, KP! Isn't that the neatest feeling? I'm so glad you are her friend. My own neices and nephews were growing up about the time I was having all of mine so I didn't get to enjoy them. I saw one of my neices the other day and was keenly aware of the awkward silences. We have never really been around each other. Now she is an adult and I would really like to be special to her, but...well, it's not likely. You have a wonderful oportunity there. And it sounds like you are a great influence for her. Happy Birthday to "B"! May she always know what a terrific aunt she has!

Sally said...

Milestones like this are good places to stop and reflect... glad you were able to have a good day together

Heather Smith said...

I love nieces (and nephews too!) I hope your niece had a great birthday! Have a good one!

Grafted Branch said...

It sounds like the blessing is mutual! You've got her and she's got you. That's a treasure!

Kari said...

Beautiful young lady with a beautiful aunt. What a blessing. Your post reminded me of me and my sweet angel Lindsay. I'm planning on starting a post called Friday's Family Facts in which I celebrate a special person in my life each week. Looks like you just beat me to a great idea, dagnabbit!!!! Happy Birthday to your precious girl!

kpjara said...

Tammy: Thanks for coming by and visiting...
and as always thanks to all you wonderful people(s) for celebrating with me!

MommaB: I LOVE your Friday Family Facts Idea....let me know when you're starting!

Shalee said...

Oh Happy Birthday B! You are one blessed lady to have an aunt like KP! And I have a inkling that the feeling is mutual...