A Story.

Once upon a time, long before you were born, umma and dada were heartbroken. you see, they desperately longed to have a sweet little tot, such as yourself, but could not. they cried, and prayed, and prayed some more...but they were having such a hard time. one day, when it seemed hope was lost, umma found out she was pregnant with you. she was in complete and utter disbelief. her hands shook while she waited, again for the second time, for the pregnancy stick to say "yes" because she thought it was somehow a mistake. after she received her second comfirmation, she immediately called dada and asked him to come home straightaway. when dada finally did come home, he too stared at the pregnancy stick in disbelief. and with teary eyes, umma and dada embraced and thanked the Lord for His amazing grace(karis).

Minutes after you were born, the doctor placed you upon my chest. i looked down at you and the first thing i noticed was your curly, curly, full, dark hair. you were completely and utterly helpless. even though we had just met, you instinctively drew closer to the sound of my voice. and you lied there. and i held you. and i promised you that i would love and protect you.

And now here you are, more than two years later. the helpless innocent babe who once lied in my arms, is climbing up a spiral, grey slide. when once you were afraid, you now boldly, fearlessly ride down the tall slide. you are growing increasingly independent. and perhaps one day, you will even say to me...umma, i don't need your protection anymore. you will break my heart, and i will cry. and then i will respond and tell you this story. and i will say, once upon a time...