Happy Birthday Mary Austin

I didn't give you the gift of life,

But in my heart I know.

The love I feel is deep and real,

As if it had been so.

For us to have each other

Is like a dream come true!

No, I didn't give you

The gift of life,

Life gave me the gift of you.

--- Unknown

my dearest Mae,

Today you turn 5. It seems like yesterday I was in the offices of Villa Hope seeing your sweet face for the very first time. I knew you before I even saw your face. I knew you would be young and whenever someone would say "don't get your hopes up" I would just smile and think "they don't know but I do". I remember the night I knew you had been born. Daddy and I went to a Christmas party at the Governor's Mansion. We had fun with Daddy Bob, Miss Patsy, Minda and Bobby (who was just a tiny baby). The night was clear and the stars were so bright. It was a magical night and I knew then that you had arrived. You were 5 days old by that night.

For the past 4 and a half years I have watched you go from my impish baby to a big girl. You are sweet, caring and thoughtful; quick to hug and kiss me "like we were in France" (cheek, cheek and then lips). You are headstrong and have definite opinions especially about your clothes! You have no fear and love doing gymnastics, drawing, and being with the "big girls" that I teach. You love to play with your figures and dolls and will play for hours with your over sized imagination. You are a wonderful "tita" to Jane Harris always including her in your adventures.

I wish for your birth mother to know all these things about you.

I know that somewhere she is grieving and wondering what happened to the tiny baby she had to leave that day in December. I hope and pray that she does know and that she has comfort and peace that you are loved, safe, happy, healthy, vivacious and thriving.

"Not flesh of my flesh, Nor bone of my bone, But still miraculously my own.

Never forget for a single minute, You didn't grow under my heart - but in it"
-- Fleur Conkling Heylinger