my strong brave girl is 11…

I am finally able to sit down and write about my dear Laylay’s 11th birthday. This one is specifically special because not only were we celebrating her turning another year older, but we were also celebrating the end of a VERY hard year.

Helaina has physically been through so much this year with broken bones and a damaged foot that left her on crutches for close to 6 months and continued PT.

But, this girl has been brave beyond belief and has truly persevered through this trial. It has been so hard, as her momma, to see her struggle and not be able to clearly fix it.

Seeing her cry thru the pain, struggle to feel normal and the anguish of hard PT sessions.
SO HARD.

But, I have seen her faith grow and be challenged. She has clung to HIM and his promise that HE brings all things for the GOOD to those who love HIM.

I have seen my sweet girl call out to God in a more deep and real way then never before. I have seen God developing an inner warrior in my child, preparing her for HIS purposes in her life. He has been creating patience, compassion and long-suffering in this sweet child.
I see in her an even greater ability to connect with and comfort others who suffer on a deeper level. We have witnessed her tender heart become even more sensitive to the physical trials that others face that are even more challenging.
She never gave up praying for miraculous healing, she never gave up faith. And her answer came, right around her birthday!

She recently had a breakthrough PT session where she was able to put weight on her foot and finally start to walk with a normal gait….

YES, we ditched those crutches, and seriously wanted to burn them!

….and just this week she rode her bike and scooter for the first time since last June!!!!!!!!

WOW….God gave my girl healing! He answered our prayers!

So, you can imagine all the more reason we have to celebrate our sweet sunshine girl! We are so proud of her and her determination and fortitude!!

Our baby girl is 11!!!

Helaina Ann,

you are such a gift in our lives! You are right smack in the center of our family and your smile radiates pure sunshine!! We thank God for you and your contagious laugh, your compassionate heart, your HUGS, your creativity, your imagination, your care, your sweetness, your joy, your beauty, your help, your kind heart and your passion for so many beautiful things in this life! I love how you truly do stop for the flowers, snowflakes and sunsets in this world! You are such a treasure to us, and I can’t imagine one day without your warm hugs and your sunshiney smile in it!! Happy Birthday to our beautiful sweetheart, WE LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!