9 Years Old

September 26, 2007 changed my life forever, and I didn't even know it was happening at the time. Somewhere in Guatemala, a beautiful lady named Maria gave birth to a precious baby girl. I was thousands of miles away and completely unaware that my first born child had arrived in this world. In fact, I didn't find out for another few weeks-October 10 to be exact. 

Here we are, 9 years later. I thought I would be celebrating with you, watching you grow into a beautiful young lady day by day. Sadly that wasn't to be and you quietly slipped from this world just a few short months later.

I may have only held you in my arms for a short week, but I have held you in my heart every day since the day I saw your pictures. Happy birthday in heaven, my beautiful daughter. I love you forever.