The Combs Krewe

On this day 38 years ago, my world changed. I, in fact, was not yet even a twinkle in my parents eye but God was already working having planned out our days since before the dawn of time. He knew that the events of that day in a small Alabama town would someday mean everything to someone. It was on that day that Jackie was born. His mother had passed away before we met so I didn't get to hear her tell the tale. I didn't get to hear any stories about his childhood mischief (oh, I know there must have been some good ones!). I didn't even know him until he was a man. But I thank God that I have gotten to know that man. I do too often find fault in him but the truth is that he is a very good man. One of the first things I fell in love with him for was his Christianity. I had never known someone so dedicated to praying before. It actually used to irritate me because he prayed and waited on direction from God before jumping in to something (like I was prone to do)! No, he's...

Dear Ryland, Happy birthday! I hope you had a great day. I sure did enjoy celebrating it with you. It's hard to believe that two whole years have passed. In fact I looked down at my stomach today and remembered a special moment you and I had together a couple of years ago... I snapped this one last photo of you in my tummy and tried hard to remember everything about the moment...the pure magic of feeling your little self move inside of me already full of spunk. I tried to picture what you would look like when you emerged, what you would look like as a boy. I even tried to imagine you as the wonderful man I know you're on you're way to becoming. And today. I had a different sort of bracelet on my arm but it was for you, too. (And, hey, thank goodness I got a new outfit, huh?) But it made me think back to your first breath when the doctor held you up for me to see. And then when she placed you on my chest... You were perfect and I loved you. I thanked ...

Birth... One... Two... Three... Four... Thank You, God, for four wonderful years with this sweet little Mama's boy!

In October of 1998, I discovered that Keeleigh was on the way. I was 15 at the time so the news wasn't universally received as joyous news but I was really so excited. Even as a child I'd always envisioned spending my life as a mother. No, at the time I had no idea what that truly meant but Keeleigh has taught me well over the years. God blessed me with exactly what I needed and there's no doubt that Keeleigh's very existence has made me a better person. I'm so thankful for her. I will never forget seeing her for the first time as a little jumping peanut up on the fuzzy ultrasound screen. I was amazed that I could see the heart and the legs and arms of such a tiny creature. She was already beautiful to me. June 10, 1999...5 days to go! Months past and things got easier and harder all at the same time. I guess that's part of growing up. I was 37 weeks pregnant when I developed high blood pressure and the doctor decided to induce. One of the main things I remembe...