Even though my birthday was during lockdown, I wasn’t worried. I knew that we’d still be able to make the day fun. Michael went above and beyond to make it special for me. I didn’t even think about COVID. It ended up being one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had.
As each moment presented itself, and I prayed and gave thanks to God, I could feel joy return. I felt thankful for the day and all these blessings He gave us. I counted myself blessed for all who are in my life, for all that I have, and for the focus He’s given me to endure. The enemy wasn’t going to ruin my Christmas, and he didn’t!
What do you do when the innocent sparkle of Santa fades as children get older? You have some fun…
My parents never let us say that we were bored growing up. We had plenty of toys and things to do to entertain ourselves. We had friends in the neighbourhood. We really didn’t have an excuse. It used to annoy me when they said that, but now I’m so grateful that they did. I had to get creative as a child. I think it helps me now as well. There’s very rarely a moment that I’m lost in what to do. There’s always something.
But I knew that was just the beginning. There was more to come. I needed to be faithful with what He had given me to start, and the pieces would come together in His time.
Sunday rolled around and we were all headed off to my aunt and uncle’s church. However, Mopsie had to stay back at the house. But she was always good left on her own. We didn’t have to crate her or anything.
I couldn’t take it. This poor child. I pleaded with the Lord on her behalf. We prayed all morning for a miracle, that the Lord would help us to bring a smile to her face that day.
She was an adorable child. She had beautiful black curly hair. She had a petite figure and was wearing a sweet plaid dress. But something about her eyes broke my heart. She looked incredibly sad. No slight form of smile reached her eyes.
I was determined to meet this girl. I needed to know her story. Her name was Marileisy.
I know this year has been heavy for a lot of you and you’re tired of it. With Remembrance Day around the corner, it is hard to think about one more heavy topic. It is something that would be easy to glaze over this year and keep going. However, I ask that you do pause and take a few moments on the 11th to consider the safety we have because of the men and women who fought for us.
My cousin had slept over for the night. Halloween fell on a Saturday that year. My parents woke us to some exciting news (the only way to get us out of bed on a Saturday morning). All they said was that we needed to hurry to get ready and come out for breakfast. We ate and jumped in the car, all the while guessing at what they could possibly be up to.