Friday, January 3, 2014

24~Happy Birthday to My Oldest


So many reasons to celebrate!  24 years. How did that happen???!!!

While your entrance into this world was not the easiest (ha, mom is posting about your almost 24 hour entrance on your 24th birthday, seems fitting!), you were a fighter from the time your took your very first breath.  You wanted to be sure everyone knew you had arrived!

Over the next 20+ years, you have continued to let everyone know you are here, here to make a difference.

You sought out those with differences and special needs from the time you were able to understand they had differences.  Although, you would prefer to consider them equal...as you would say, "we all have some kind of challenge to face in this lifetime."

Your dad, sissy and I could not have been more proud of you this past year as you quit a very good paying job (the job you started the very day after your college graduation), to pursue your passion for teaching.  And, not just teaching anyone...but those you had a big heart and a passion for that started many years ago...those with Special Needs.

And, after teaching just one semester I can see you made the right decision.  Your students, the athletes that you coached, and your peers adore you!  You are truly making a difference in the lives of many young people.  Some whom you are their only source of encouragement!

We could not be more proud to call you our daughter and sister!

Happy Birthday Elie!

Love,
Mom, Dad and Sissy

P.S.  Toby and Kylee Too!!!


22 comments:

Anne said...

Hope your lovely daughter has a wonderful birthday!!
~Anne

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Happy bday to your darling daughter, Lauren. My #1's bday is today, too. The more I get to know you the more we have in common. Have a wonderful day!

Christine @ Suburban Charm said...

Happy birthday to your beautiful baby girl! She sounds like a truly remarkable young lady! Have a wonderful day together!

Ron said...

I love a birthday on a Friday. Happy Birthday to your daughter. Cheers!

Katie said...

happy birthday to elie!!

bj said...

What a remarkable young woman she must be...I can understand your pride and love for her ...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELIE.....:))

bj said...

...and excuse me, but YOU look about 24 yourself.....!!:)

Barrett said...

Happy Birthday to your daughter! Amazing how quickly they grow up!

Janis@All Things Beautiful said...

How inspiring to see young people following their passions instead of a paycheck. As a former teacher, I know it's not an easy job and if it was up to me, I'd pay them a whole lot more! So excited to find you and your blog!!!

Leslie said...

Such a wonderful tribute to your daughter Lauren:) and Happy Birthday to her!! My oldest turned 25 a few weeks ago.. I just can't believe it.

Hope your New Year is off to a great start!!

Allison said...

Happy Birthday to your daughter! She sounds like a delightful young woman and good for her for following her passion! You must be so proud Lauren. Hope it's a fun weekend of celebrating!

Tiffany @ Savor Home said...

This is beautiful!! So happy for her and am proud of her accomplishments!!

Unknown said...
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Mike @TheIronYou said...

Such a beautiful post and - most of all - Happy Birthday to your daughter!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post Lauren! Happy Birthday to your girl!

Val said...

I hope your daughter has the most wonderful birthday!!!

Becky {This Is Happiness} said...

Happy Late Birthday to your sweet daughter! Such a lovely post to her :)

Laura@Elegant Nest said...

What a beautiful post for your beautiful daughter. Happy Bday to her and happy day to you!

Kris @ Driven by Décor said...

Happy belated birthday to your beautiful daughter! And I have to say you are looking damn good for having a 24 year old daughter! :-)

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

TWENTY FOUR? HOW CAN THAT BE? YOU LOOK 24! Well, I congratulate YOU for bringing her into this world and raising such a beauty! May God raise her up to be a woman of great courage! And thank you so much Lauren for stopping by tonight! Have a great Sunday, Anita

pam {simple details} said...

What a sweet letter to your daughter, hope her birthday was extra special! I have a two friends who teach children with special needs and I know anyone who has a heart to pursue that is remarkable! It sounds like they're lucky to have her!

emily said...

Happy (very belated) birthday to your daughter! She sounds like such an amazing young woman!