Every year on September 15th, I celebrate the day that a new addition was made to the heavenly choir and reflect on what might have been.
On this day in 1978, Carlyn Diane Chambers was still-born to two very young parents. She was the first born. We eagerly awaited her birth. Her nursery was all ready, although very modestly decorated. With her birth at 10:20 am, our lives changed forever. This was not what we had expected–we were not prepared for this. I never saw her little face. I never heard her sweet cry. She became a citizen of Heaven without ever becoming a citizen of the earth.
The fact that she is in the arms of the Father brings great comfort to me. She has never cried one single tear or suffered a broken heart. For these things, I am eternally grateful. However, I often wonder what kind of woman would she have been. What kind of mom would she have been (much better than her own–I hope!)?
Many years since that day in September in 1978, God has place two wonderful women in my life that I think answer these questions for me. Both are the first born of their respective families and both, ironically, have September birthdays. They both hold very special places in my heart and life. I am extremely proud of both of them and all that they have accomplished. I will list a few of the traits that make them remarkable. (There are many many more!) Here goes!!
One of these women is my step-daughter Martha. Martha is a wonderful mom. I am delighted at the way she is raising two very independent young ladies of her own. (Abby and Amelia are the joy of their granny’s heart!) She is intelligent and devoted to her family and to her God. She is very resourceful, a Proverbs 31 woman. She has made her family her top priority. These are all traits that I would have wanted for Carlyn.
The second is Kelly Nevins. Kelly is the fanastic mother of four children. (I adore them all) She is very funny. This is very important, you see a great sense of humor will get you through hard times. She has a heart filled with compassion. She, too, has made her family her top priority. She and her family have gone thru some tough times, yet she is faithful to her God. (Another Proverbs 31 Woman!!) These, too, are things that I would have wanted for her.
It has been my experience, that God often raises up things to add to our lives when we have experienced a loss. Neither of these wonderful women can nor should take the place of Carlyn; yet, God has blessed me by bringing each into my life. I love them both. I have a tremendous amount of respect for them as well. I pray for them and their families regularly. I know that they love me and pray for me as well.
My hat is off to both Martha and Kelly. Thanks for bringing happiness to my heart. As for Carlyn, I will see you one day ….my dear baby girl!!
