21 Year Old Tillie

'You turn 21 today!' Our little girl has become a confident, incredible woman. The world is hers to explore and impact. All she has to do is find her direction and move in that direction. This trip to Santa Barbara where she hopes to attend college has been so fruitful. We have walked the beaches, laid in the sand, met interesting people, and shared such rich conversations on all she hopes for in her life.

From the moment Natalie entered this world 3 months before her time she has had to be persistent to be the best Natalie she could be. The doctors gave little hope that this 2 pound bundle of beauty would be capable of living a normal life. Oh, if only they knew her strong will and faith! She never let any obstacle defeat her but embraces challenges as adventures to run through. At 21, my daughter can and will do whatever it takes to impact the lives of those less fortunate.

Her enormous heart for all life has led her to embrace the lifestyle that reflects her heart. She is a vegan, believing that the cruelty animals endure must be stopped. Loving her pets is a part of who she is, but it is not just her pets.  Any animal that touches her she cherishes. It is impossible for Natalie to walk past a puppy, big or small, without stopping to coo over it.

Years spent in Young Life reaching out to even the most unlovable middle schoolers is a reflection of her heart for others and her belief that with Christ we are all family. I have been fortunate to lead kids with her and witness first hand her joy at building relationships with lonely, broken youth. What an honor for a mother to be there watching and sharing in my daughter's generous spirit.

Yesterday as she turned 21, she went to the local Young Life club in Santa Barbara acting a bit crazy for kids. The perfect birthday activity! Typically, she didn't make the day about herself but about others. Later, she spent time chatting with a homeless guy just to figure out his lifestyle, so she could better understand.

As you can imagine, I stand in awe of my daughter who is still my little girl and yet a woman to the world. Happy Birthday, my Tillie. I am so proud God let me be your mom!

In Him,
Joyful
4-6-11

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