It is Shelbys birthday today. She is 17. I met Mark when she was two and married him when she was four. I have known her for 15 years. She has grown in my heart for 15 years. Because Mary is so bitter, and angry, and hostile, we have no contact with Shelby and haven't for 2 years. If we did, this is what I would like to say to her on her birthday:
Dear sweet Shelby...I have known you since you were a toddler. When I met you, Sam was 5 and Katie was 8...I was long past the 'baby' stage, and I remember the joy I had when I went shopping with your daddy for things to put inside a box for you for Easter. Colouring books and crayons, and special little things. I hope you had as much fun with those things as we did shopping for them!
I remember you coming out to Washington when you were 8, and I was very pregnant with Ben. You loved to pat my tummy, and were so excited to be having a baby brother to go with your sister!
And now here we are, with you turning 17! Proms and graduation, boyfriends and driving.....so many new things you are experiencing. I wish we could share it all with you. I am sorry that you cannot have your mom and dad in your life. I am sorry there has been so much pain caused by your parents divorce.
I wish I could change it, but I can't. What I can do is to let you know that we will always love you and you always have a place in our home and in our hearts.
Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!
Hugs to you!
Jaye
