Happy Birthday, Tater Tot

Dear Tater Tot,

Two years ago you were born to Heaven. Maybe I shouldn't admit this to you, but I will; I forgot about your birthday this year. It took a post on Facebook to remind me. I'm sorry, Sweetie. I know I would never forget about Gabriel's or Cassidy's birthday. What makes me forget about yours? I guess it's just easier to let myself forget how you were born.  

I promise, though, that I never forget about you. You are always on my mind and in my heart. How could you not be? In fact, right before I was reminded of your birthday, I was telling Cassidy the story of Gabriel and Tater Tot. One of these days, I know she'll be able to tell it back to me. . .

Mommy and Daddy dreamed a big, big dream. They hoped and hoped and hoped and prayed and prayed and prayed for a little child to love and nurture and laugh with and love for the longest time, but they didn't get one. Then, finally, after a really long time, a little child did come into Mommy's and Daddy's life. His name was Gabriel Nicolas, and they loved him. He was their dream come true. God created him very, very special so that His mighty works could be displayed in his life. But for that to happen, he had to go away to Heaven. Mommy and Daddy loved him and were very proud of him, but they missed him very much and they had sad hearts. 

So, they hoped and hoped and hoped and prayed and prayed and prayed even more. Then, after what seemed like the longest time, another child came to them. And they loved her and had big dreams for her, but they didn't know that God made her for a very special reason, a reason so special that she couldn't stay with them; so, she had to go away to Heaven, too. Mommy and Daddy loved her and were very proud of her, but they missed her very much and they had sad hearts.

Mommy and Daddy felt like giving up, but they didn't want to have sad hearts forever. That's no way to live. So, they hoped and hoped and hoped and prayed and prayed and prayed harder than ever! And what do you think happened? Another little child came into their lives. Her name was Cassidy Nicole. And this time, they knew that God created her for a very, very special purpose. A purpose so special, that she'd have to stay right here with them so everyone could see what the LORD has done!

He gave Mommy and Daddy their very own Cassidy Nicole James. And she is beautiful and fabulous and smart and talented and miraculous and funny and has a sparkling personality and good behavior and gorgeous hair and is a fantastic dresser and a good reader and a great swimmer and is fearless and loves to try new things and loves her pets and is so much fun to be around and gives the best kisses and is so sweet and . . . She is everything.

You see, Tater Tot, I'll never forget about you, not about the happy parts about having you, that is. You made all of this possible. I believe with all my heart that God sent you to make a way for me to have Cassidy. And one of these days, one glorious day, I'll run to you and hug you and kiss you and scoop you up. I'll set my eyes on the beautiful face of Cassidy's sister and spend forever telling you how grateful I am to you and how much I love you.

Because these days, I don't just imagine it like I did back then. I really do have the beauty of Gabriel in the form of a little girl; I really do get to play dress up, and tie bows onto dark curls, and bake cookies, play dollies, and read picture books; I really do have cherished cuddle time, fun time, play time, and sleepy time; I really do have all three of you: Cassidy, now, and you and Gabriel, forever.

Happy birthday, Princess Tater Tot.

Love,
Mommy



Author's note: Follow the hyperlinks. It will cause you to praise God.