She’s the one who’s held that special title. If you ask her, she’d like you to believe it’s the place in the family that’s often overlooked. And in some families that might be true. But this girl has been hard to overlook her entire life. Her arrival in this family came at such a tumultuous time. We were selling a house and buying a house, which we then started to remodel. I was so pregnant. and so cranky! I was desperately looking forward to holding my unborn child in my arms, not yet knowing whether it was a boy or a girl, just longing to have her here. When she finally made her appearance, she was our baby, our sweet baby girl. She was not very well welcomed by our current baby, and we worked hard to get him to except the fact he had to share us. We dubbed the two of them our twins with their birthdays just days apart. But so different in so many ways.
Olivia has always been the one looking for the next adventure. On our hikes on vacation, she would always be at the front of the pack. She never shied away from anything new and I remember how excited she was when she was finally tall enough to ride the baby roller coasters at the fair, or the barnstormer at Disney. And then that day came when she was eligible for the big girl roller coasters, and from that moment on our little adrenaline junkie made it known that there was no roller coaster big enough for her. Today that adventurous spirit roared its head again as we watched her skydive.The only thing she wanted to do on her 18th birthday!
Obviously, it wasn’t long until the other three kiddos came along and she became our exact middle child. Some might deem her position in our family, the least desirable, but I believe strongly that she made her presence known, and her position was solidified. She is one strong girl. So capable and talented, a beauty that shines from the inside out. She’s had her fair of struggles and I’ve watched her overcome and blossom into the woman she is today. She has proven how strong she is, yet showing that the strength does not come from her, but from the trust she has put in the Lord. She loves him with all her heart and it’s evidenced in everything she does.
She bears the middle name (And first that is, but that’s a story for another day) of my dear sweet friend Grace. It was absolutely the right choice for this girl, who is the epitome of grace. Watching her dance is one of my most favorite things. So graceful and elegant. Or witnessing her bake the most delicate baked goods, especially the macarons. So patient. So dedicated. Striving for excellence in everything she does.
It’s been a privilege to watch her grow. She’s accomplished so much in such a short period of time and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for her. My prayer is, she continues to trust the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind and strength. That she remembers that she is a child of God and he holds her future.
I’m so grateful for who she is and can’t wait to see what she will yet accomplish. I am honored to called her my daughter, I am blessed to call her my friend.
Happy 18th Birthday Olie Grace
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