Friday, March 19, 2010

a little story for caroline elizabeth



once upon a time
there was a mommy
who had three little girls
the mommy fell in love with a very handsome man

the very handsome man
married the mommy
& her three little girls
in a garden
one Easter weekend

the very handsome man
gave the mommy a beautiful ring
& the three little girls each a gold bracelet
he promised to love them
& take care of them
forever


one summer afternoon
the mommy found out she was going to have another baby
but when she went to the doctor
the doctor couldn't hear the little baby's heartbeat

he told her he suspected
she was soon to have her 3rd miscarriage
since marrying the handsome man

the little family was leaving for the beach
the very next day
the mommy was very worried that week

she walked up & down the beach
& asked the Lord to protect
the tiny baby she carried



but that doctor was wrong
there was a tiny heartbeat there
& it was beating strong

7 months later
on march 20th
the mommy gave birth to a beautiful baby girl



march 20th is the first day of spring
& also a very tender day for the mommy




you see
on march 20th
the first day of spring
5 years earlier
the mommy sat beside her first husband
while the doctor told him
he had cancer

that doctor told them
he might live for 5 years
he lived for 9 months





5 years later
on the first day of spring
the exact same day
that had once brought fear, anxiety, & loss

march 20th
the Lord gave the mommy a sign of new life
a reminder that He loved her
& He loved her three little girls

he gave the mommy
a sign of hope
all wrapped up
in a 7 pound blue eyed blonde haired baby girl






the mommy
& the very handsome man
now had four little girls
their hearts overflowed


















that's what you are to us
sweet child
a very special gift
to our family
a reminder of God's gentle love
& how we can always hope in Him






god gave me exceedingly more
than i ever asked for
&
much more than
i had dared
to allow
my heart to dream

He gave me
not only your daddy
but
then
He added you





i pray you know how much we love you
but even more
how much
He loves you










Happy Birthday sweet baby
you
completed
us












Jeremiah 29.11
For I know the plans I have for you
declares the Lord
plans to prosper you
and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope
and a future.



83 comments:

Love Being A Nonny said...

This should be published somewhere. One of the sweetest things I have ever read. She (and ALL of you) is gorgeous! God is so good to us.

Victoria Hayden said...

Wow, what a beautiful post. Very endearing and touching. So sorry for the heartache you have experienced and yet you have been blessed with much happiness. A beautiful family!! What a gorgeous little girl...all of yours. Thank you for sharing such a personal story. Bless your family.

Hugs,
Victoria

Kasey said...

that's a book!
happy wonderful birthday sweet Caroline.
I hope you play that song tomorrow!

tara said...

She is just darling and what a special little girl to your whole family! happy birthday sweet one....gorgeous photos, as always Paige! xo, happy weekend!

Anonymous said...

Oh... my. Just gorgeous.

Sandy, Sisters of Season said...

What a beautiful story . . it sounds like a fairytale .. God Bless and Happy Birthday!

Maria said...

Happy Birthday Caroline! She's such a beautiful little girl with a beautiful story.

Katie said...

So sweet and thoughtful! That picture of her with the sunflowers and the red boots is the cutest thing I ever!

paige said...

dear mama, you are the world greatest mama ever:)
thank you for the story
i love you emensily!:)

love,
caroline
(the birthday girl)

teresa sheeley said...

She is the most beautiful testimony I have ever seen. :) Happy Birthday little one! My baby girl will be 22 on the 21st.
God creates very pretty things for the 1st days of spring. :)


Smiles,
Teresa
xx

Jeanne Oliver said...

I cry half the times I read your posts!!! Beautiful!

Farmgirl Paints said...

Oh girl you sure know how to tell a story. I swear I need a klennex box handy when I read them. Loved this Paige...your heart is so precious. How great is our God!! To the day...wow!!!! Happy b-day to your little one:)

lisa sweeney said...

just lovely. God shows us in small ways that he is here...and the "five years on March 20" is one way He makes Himself known...there are no accidents.

lizziefitz said...

So special!!!

Jboo said...

Ahhh Paige -- another post that brought me to tears! What a sweet and tender story!

Happy birthday to your darling Caroline!

Janet

Susan R said...

Great! I'm outta Kleenex again. How come almost everytime I read one of your posts I'm in tears? These are happy tears though. I truly believe that God gives the greatest challenges to the strongest people. He must have a lot of faith in you. He also gives us the most wonderful blessings if we are enduring and prove faithful. Well done Paige, well done. Happy Birthday Caroline. You're adorable.

Katiebee said...

Oh Paige......so beautiful~

Tina said...

Paige, so touching, heartbreaking, inspirational and just beautiful all at the same time. What a special gift each of your daughters are, all for different reasons. I hope the birthday girl had the sweetest birthday. Thanks for sharing this amazing story and the photos are just gorgeous, Caroline is such a cutie!! Wishing your whole family a wonderful weekend ~ Tina xx

Jeri said...

Paige, Happy Birthday to your beautiful baby girl...what a sweet story full of love and hope.

Nancy said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Caroline!!! Your story is so beautiful, I just love it when you share it with others. Enjoy this beautiful weekendvwith your wonderful family.

Shannon said...

What a wonderful story, thank you for sharing! I hope you have a wonderful weekend with your birthday girl and your family :)

Ashley said...

Paige this is so sweet. What amazing gift she is and what a beautiful mommy you are!

Alison Agnew said...

What a sweet post. And what a sweet gift from the Father. I've been checking out your blog for a couple of weeks and decided to subscribe. I really enjoy your posts, photos and book reviews.

Alison

Melanie said...

Oh, Paige. You have such a beautiful soul! I am crying.. mostly tears of joy but also knowing a bit of the pain that you had to overcome to get to your precious baby girl. God is so Good!!

Happy Birthday to your sweet Caroline!

God's Blessings to your family!
Melanie

Jerri said...

Aww what a sweet story! Happy Birthday Miss Caroline...you are one very loved and blessed girl!

ellieshine said...

such a sweet story. I absolutely love the way the Lord gives us those special reminders of his great love. I adore the photo of Caroline wearing yellow - beautiful processing - and oh my! those eyes!

Donna said...

Paige, your words are again so beautifully written. Isn't our God so good! You have such a precious family. Happy Birthday Sweet Caroline. Your mommma is such a special lady and you one special girl. May God continue to bless your family as only He can.
Hugs!

Cstargel said...

I just love your story and your sweet family. Happy Birthday to that precious girl!

Janice said...

How beautiful. What a sweet post this is and full of gorgeous pictures. You are inspirational!

Wendy said...

Ah sweet Paige...one of these days I will come to your blog and you won't make me cry. ;-) Seriously, a beautiful letter to your beautiful daughter. Happy birthday to your sweetheart!!

Hood Canal Gal said...

You're brave to share your precious, touching story with us after all of your heartbreak.

Your family's beautiful.
Happy birthday to your little girl.
Reading your post I can feel your love for her!

xx,
megan

Unknown said...

This is one of the most beautiful things I have ever read, you made me cry (again!).....you are an amazing mother Paige, your girls are so blessed to have you.

All your girls are beautiful but this little one gets me every time! These photos are fabulous.

My daughter was 9 yesterday :)

Happy Birthday beautiful Caroline Elizabeth from London, England :)

Jennifer said...

Happy Birthday Caroline....I'm celebrating with you..only the best best on born on March 20th.......beautiful pictures Paige.....

Ashley said...

You are a very lucky woman. And your daughter, simply beautiful! God Bless your happy, healthy family! Jeremiah so true!

sandra said...

So beautiful, your sweet girl and Our God! Blessings to all of you! ;)

Deb said...

A beautiful story, beautiful family and beautiful pictures...thanks for sharing!

melissa said...

The MOST beautiful and touching post Paige!! Of course, I have tears. God is SO good and your precious Caroline is such a blessing, such a beautiful girl with a mommy like no other!!
Happy, happy birthday to sweet Caroline!

xo

Carole said...

What a touching story. Out of such heartache an angel has emerged.
Thank you for sharing!

xxx

Leslie said...

Just beautiful Paige! Sweet Caroline was just meant to be a part of your family, such a story. She is so beautiful!!! Happy Birthday to her!

patricia e said...

I love the saying by Helen Keller, ~ The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched ~ they must be felt with the heart ~ I thought of this when I read your posting ~ simply beautiful ~ Happy Birthday Caroline ~

3 Peanuts said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Caroline Elizabeth. What a beautiful gift from God you have been to your family.

Your Mom's hope is a gift to many.

I agree this should be published:)

Suz said...

What a beautiful picture of God's love.

I love your blog!

Deb said...

Such a beautiful post Paige ♥ Happy Birthday to Caroline.

Faded Plains said...

As I try to type with tear-filled eyes...I just want to wish Caroline...a big Happy Birthday!

LuLu said...

Sweet Caroline Happy Happy Birthday. God is pure love and sprinkled it on your family,
Happy Spring
xo,
LuLu

The Redhead Riter said...

I've wiped my eyes and stopped crying now. I just found your blog and I'm so moved by the touch of God in your life. Thank you so much for sharing.

kpb said...

see, I don't even know this blessed child, but I love her too

Suzanne said...

In the airport at Salt Lake City. Had a few minutes in the Delta Club and decided to log on to a few of my favorite blogs. Now teary-eyed. My own "baby" (15) is Elizabeth Caroline. What a sweet story. Thank you for sharing your open heart!

Christina said...

How tender...heartbreaking and full of hope all at the same time. Lovely. Happy Birthday to your sweet girl, a little late. :)

chris said...

Why....Wwwhyyyy.. waaaaaya do you make me cry?
Naw, it was a good cry.. God is so good. I have a similar story. Car accident though.. and only a 10 month old baby. But God sent me another wonderful man. and it's been 21 years now.

By the way God, have I told you thank you lately? Thank you thank you thank you

Kristin said...

Beautiful tribute to your baby girl!

Happy Birthday Sweet Caroline!

Jen Kershner said...

What a beautiful story her life is. She is a lucky girl and you are a lucky Mommy.

Sweet Grace Farms said...

What a beautiful and touching post to your sweet daughter. You have such a way with words. Happy birthday to sweet Caroline.

Peggy Lee said...

Dear Sweet Paige and Caroline,
How touching and spiritually moving is this story, my heart is breaking as I read this and also rejoicing for God's great love for all of us. Yes you should publish this amazing story. You have a beautiful family and heart. I have been blessed by your words and thoughts and most of all your heart. Peggy Lee

Unknown said...

A beautiful story about Caroline and an amazing reminder of God's faithfulness. Thanks for sharing.

Pony Girl said...

What a genuinely beautiful story, thanks for sharing this with us!
Happy birthday Caroline!

PS~Erin said...

Tears. So so preciously written. Your gals are quite blessed to have you as their mommy. Happy birthday to your baby.

the wild raspberry said...

this was so beautiful.
and you are such a beautiful soul.

happy spring to you dear one.

SoSoBella said...

i hope her birthday was wonderful. happy belated birthday :O)
a wonderful post. wonderful.
xoxo

Shelley in SC said...

Having trouble swallowing . . . and blinking. What a God we have!

Jackie said...

Precious, Precious story.

Jenn said...

Paige,
God has given you an amazing spirit! You have a beautiful way with words!
Your story touches my heart more than you know! =) Goose bumps! Amazing gift ~ amazing timing! Bless You for sharing your heart so openly with us! I feel blessed to blog with you!
Jenn

Anonymous said...

As my 4 energetic boys run around my house (because it's Spring Break here) I got to read a very tender story that brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing that & thank you for reminding me to appreciate every second of everyday with my wonderful husband & boys!

Heather said...

i hope she had a happy birthday! i hope that she is back 100%.

what a lucky girl to have you as a mommy.

xo
HH

Courtney Walsh said...

oh, paige.

wow. i am totally emotional right now or something because this just hit me straight in the heart.

i am awestruck by the stories -- everyone has a story--the things He's brought us through--the way he heals us... sends us our own rainbows in the form of little blue eyed children or a beating heart.

What a beautiful tribute. Beautiful story.

Someday I hope to meet you in real life and share even more stories over a cup of coffee.

You inspire.

Martha said...

Oh Paige...it just strikes a cord with me each and every time you write...beautiful girl you have {all of them} and Happy Birthday to Caroline

Hood Canal Gal said...

Thanks for swinging by my blog and for the kind words:)

I always find your blog so touching and heart felt.
Looking forward to your next post.

Jen said...

Ah, sweet blessings. I read your "story" on Pearls and Grace and was blessed. Today as I read with unshed tears in my eyes, I was again blessed by you. Thank you for letting us see Jesus in you, for sharing His faithfulness and reminding us how amazing He is.
Joyfully!

Debra said...

Very sweet. I am sure she had a wonderful birthday. :)

DaShannon said...

thank you for sharing and may God continue to bless~

Unknown said...

I found your blog from artful blogging and what a sweet, precious blog it is :)

Alecia said...

What a sweet story! Thanks for sharing how God has blessed your family...such an encouragement!

Team Houston said...

Wow, what a great post. It brought tears to my eyes.

Love your blog.

It motivates me to do one for my Daughter Simones up coming birthday!

Love what you wrote about Jeremiah 29.11

Thanks, Michele

Lenora said...

Oh my! Beautiful! Your thoughts are inspiring and make those who read them stronger.

The Barker's said...

What a beautiful story! Gave me goosebumps! Thanks for sharing this with the world!

Anonymous said...

oh paige! what an awesome love note to your sweet daughter! i am so touched by your story! from the first spring to the last! you are blessed and you are a blessing! xoxo

Tracey @ BellaSky said...

I know you dont know me but I have been following your blog. You are an amazing person. Thank you for inspiring me & I am sure so many others to see the joy in life, to take time so treasure little moments. It is so easy to forget to be gracious & thankful for all the is given to us!

Your is an amazing story & I agree you should be published!

thanks for "keeping it real" so to speak! LOL

allisondegeorge said...

oh my...
you made me cry
May God continue to bless
and
keep you, all of you...
May His face SHINE upon all of you...
and
May He continue to be kind to you and
give all of you His peace...
numbers 6:24
your life
the lives of your girls
and both of those dear daddies
are a true blessing to this world
and surely glorify our God in heaven

Amanda Bruss said...

Beautiful!!! Absolutely beautiful!!! What a story...You brought me to tears...

Windy Ridge said...

Yes another beautiful post, Paige. Just catching up on blogs.

Hope your baby gets to feeling better.

Listen here, missy (LOVE THAT)and needed to hear that:)

Blessing from WR!

The Flying Bee said...

Paige...I know I am late on this, but I just wanted to say that this post was so beautiful...my eyes were full of tears. What a blessing she is and what a testimony of God's great love for us. Happy Belated Birthday to sweet Caroline...I will be keeping her in my prayers. She is beautiful!

Happy Easter!

xo,
Adrienne

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

How beautiful was that tribute for your girls. Your story is so touching and so inspiring how God has taken care of you and yours through it all.

I do believe my dear that you are a very gifted photographer.

Unknown said...

What tears of joy fell from my eyes as I read this awesome tribute to your family and to God. You have 4 beautiful girls and a very handsome hubby...I am so happy for you all!!! Thanks so much for sharing this with us...(((hugs)))