Tears of Joy..A Birthday Celebration!

     The hope and joy of seeing a very sick CHD baby grow, face set backs, gain courage, handle illness with grace, all the while growing into a young lady.  Today is a sweet reminder of my baby girl's journey!  It is a day that I have reflected and ran the gamut of her highs and lows!

     So today I celebrate that newborn baby who coded many times, but continuously fought her odds, and overcame those odds.  I celebrate the toddler who underwent 2 heart surgeries, not understanding the importance or the pain she endured. 

     I celebrate that preteen who fought everyday to just fit in!  The preteen who has struggled in more ways than I ever have, but still finds a way to smile.  But most of all....

     I celebrate my 15 year old, sweet CHD daughter.  Though many days are more difficult than not, she is learning to take each day with grace and poise!  Each day I see the courage of David within her, as she faces her Goliath (obstacles).  Though she falters she continues to brush herself off and take one step in front of the other!

     I pray with all my being, God gives you many more years to grow and become everything you want!  A lady, a Mother, a wife, and an author.

     Happy 15th Birthday my Heart Hero Baby!  Love you more than words.

                      Momma

Blessings until next time!

Drena

Loving Thyself!

     Teaching a child to love themselves is such a challenging task for a parent.  It is even debatable, if this is something that can even be taught!  As a parent, I have yet to meet someone, who doesn't want their child to love the person they are inside and out!  

    As parents, we put so much pressure on ourselves to be the mighty teacher of everything for our children. But so much just can't be taught by us!  We can guide, give direction, and even sometimes nudge them.  But in life, we all know we can't teach everything. 

     

     Our children have to learn to love themselves. They have to discover who God has made them to be. They have to discover their value and purpose from God.  Not by their choice, our even our choice....but by God's design. 

     God has put within each of us, the ability to overcome our insecurities. My goal as a parent, is to help guide my children to value themselves.  To accept that we all make mistakes and fall short, but forgiving ourselves is key.

     Having a daughter with a heart condition so many things are fragile.  There is a very fine line between disciplining and guiding.   Not only is she judged by others, but now she is judging herself.  Putting blame on oneself for your difficulties, differences, even a heart condition is toxic.  This pill is the hardest to swallow.  It always seems easier to see our shortcomings, and blame ourselves for them.   

     I don't want my CHD daughter to blame herself for anything.  I want her to have compassion for herself.....I want her to accept who she is and not just embrace it, but love it, and be proud!  I want to her to realize that God made her and he doesn't make mistakes.  But above everything else, I want her to respect who she was made to be!  I love her just the way she is, and wouldn't change a thing.  Because I'd loose the Cora I know and love inside and out!

Blessings Until Next Time!

Drena

Dear Momma To Be!

Dear Momma To Be,

     

     Where should I start?  If I could step back in time, I'd help prepare you, keep you from being blind.  Dear Momma To Be.  If I could hold your hand, I could keep you one step ahead from all the pain you're about to endure.  These months to come will be hard, mental bars, and physical scars.  That tiny seed God planted needs to be clung to.

 

     Oh Dear Momma To Be.  If we were face to face.  I'd be there by your side, to help you fight the doubt within your heart.  Dear Momma To Be.  It's not your fault.  You were never meant to carry this pain and fear all alone.  Every mountain, every obstacle will help lead you closer to who you're meant to be. 

     So, Dear Momma To Be. As I stand before you. I can tell this journey will change you forever!  The road you walk will sometimes be unpaved, the pain will at time be close to unbearable.  But open your eyes....she that sweet blessing?  That's your reminder

I wouldn't go back and change a thing. God gave you super powers, that have grown over the years!  That sweet little blessing you hold is your reminder!  God made that beauty and instilled in you super hero qualities......You are a CHD Momma!  Welcome!!!!

 Blessings Until Next Time!

Drena