Another Birthday for Stephanie

Today is the 27th birthday of our eldest daughter, Stephanie Ruth. She is a pastor's wife and the mother of our granddaughter, Melanie Noel, who will be three in December. I'm leaving in a short while to drive three hours to where Stephanie lives so that I can see her on her special day, but before I do I wanted to say what an inspiration she has been to me over the years. Steph is a typical firstborn: serious, studious, industrious, goal-oriented, brave, responsible, and for the most part tireless. She has always been somewhat of a mother hen to her two sisters and one brother. I have a picture of her at the age of nine, holding baby Andrew in her arms. They are sitting in a big wingback chair in the living room of our home in Northwest Indiana (where we lived for many years) and they are both sound asleep.

There was the normal amount of sibling rivalry among our children, but now that they're grown it's all for one and one for all, and no mistake. I think we've all arrived at a very special place. So happy birthday, darling Stephanie. You are a lovely daughter and a devoted wife and mother, and one whose tender encouragement and loving support means the world to her mom and dad. Thanks for having a great sense of humor, a wonderful sense of family, and an inspiring devotion to the Lord. We love you, baby.