History Buff

I know I lag behind when it comes to the movies or television shows REALLY worth watching, but I just finished watching the seven-part HBO series of "John Adams", and I am changed. I rented all three discs and watched in the comfort of my warm home and recliner, but the effects of this wonderful dramatization haunt me, with pride and with regret. Thank heavens we had men like John Adams to stand up for freedom, to sacrifice so dearly, to never give up even when it would have been easier to go back to his farm and his family. I regret that John Adams has not been more fairly judged--why don't we have his image on any of our coins or paper money? Why is his name skimmed over when we honor the rest of the noble men of the Continental Congress, like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington? It is said that Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were the "pen and the voice" of the Declaration of Independence. Why have I never heard that phrase before? I was aware of John and Abigail's great love for each other before watching this series, but could not have imagined how closely they confided together as true partners. I applaud David McCullough for writing such an amazing account of an amazing man in our country's history. It was made even more pronounced to me as I watched our modern-day inauguration last Tuesday of President Barack Obama. Everything in our nation's history--the fight for independence, the pursuit of religious freedom, the emancipation from slavery, the declaration of unalienable rights--all show God's hand in preparing this land for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the reign of His Son someday upon the earth again. God bless men and women like John and Abigail Adams, and may we never forget their legacy.

January 6 - Happy 12th Birthday, Baby Girl!

Two weeks old and still only five pounds...

Nearly 12--look at those beautiful eyes!



Okay, I get all emotional thinking about what was happening in my life 12 years ago...

12 years ago, I was waiting in a hospital bed for my sweet baby girl to be born, even though she wasn't due for another 4 or 5 weeks. Her due date was February 3, 1997, and on December 26, 1996, my water broke. By the morning of Monday, January 6, I had already spent 12 days in the hospital, waiting for her little lungs to develop enough for her to be born without complications. A was 16, C was 14, and they had just gone back to school after the holiday break. I told the doctor to wait until school let out to start the C-section. We were all scared and excited. She was born at 5:05 p.m., and weighed 5 lbs. 3 oz. She was so tiny. There were a few complications with fluid in her lungs and her inability to eat (her doctor said that she wasn't eating enough to keep a fly alive!), so she didn't come home until a week later. But she was such a precious baby. Our miracle baby! 12 years later, she is still our miracle. She is beautiful, funny, quiet, loyal, and smart. I count my blessings every day that this child came into our lives and family. I can't believe she is already 12. Where did that time go? She keeps me young, makes me laugh (and cry), gives me love, and shares her world every day. I love you dearly, NessaBess. Happy Birthday...