Sarah-Hope has turned one!

Today is Sarah-Hope’s first birthday!

We had a really quiet day - I wanted to have the space to think about that amazing day a year ago, the hours preceding and after the birth, the outcome, and the time that followed… and upon this reflection write to my daughter. Here is some of what I wrote:

“Dear Sarah-Hope

As you were born into this world, I looked on. I saw this little soul, with the most exquisite blue eyes, and wondered what your life would bring to mine.

You have been so kind to me all year. The number of times I have had a sleep and you have just sat there watching and waiting until I was done… so patient. I look at you and know I am so lucky to have a child with your beautiful nature. Your eyes reflect a soul that is deep, and I know that you will be one the best friends that I have in this life. In some ways, it’s quite a road that I have been called onto as your mother. But I also know that the great reward of this road is you – that I know you, enjoy you, and treasure your company for as long as possible!

You are content, aware of your environment and look right into the core of people. There are so many things one could say about all the physical progress you have made, Sarah-Hope (You are my rocker and roller, mover and shaker), but the most important is that I love the person you are. I love having you in my home. I am extremely proud to be your mother. I know God has a great purpose for you, and I am trusting that He will be gentle with me as I aim to prepare you for that. Your life is a huge gift to me. You have rescued me from shallow pursuits and elevated my life to something with eternal significance, real impact and beauty. Thank you for arriving and staying a year ago. Thank you for being so gracious with your mother and not fussing. Thank you for being such a brilliant communicator, thank you for engaging with your world, well done for making so much progress, thank you for your love… and we’re definitely still working on the snuggles but I think you’ll get into it!

Love you.

Mom”