Happy Birthday to You!

(Singing) Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday Dear Aunt Geeeeennnnnaaaa! Happy Birthday to you!

How can I possibly sum up all of our appreciation for our Aunt Gina on this one little blog entry? Aunt Gina has pretty much always been Aunt Gina - maybe not officially until Aug 3, 2002; but the moment I met Gina Whitehead, I knew she was going to be our Aunt Gina. When I met Gina, I was pregnant with Allison. I knew she was the one for my brother. I was so confident that I invited her to come home with Cas when the baby was born. I would not have invited any old girlfriend to a time that was changing my life forever.

I loved Gina when I met her, even though I didn't know her that well. Cas knew her, he loved her, she loved him and she loved Jesus. I trusted her and wanted to know her more and had a strong feeling I would have years to get to know her down the road. I was right.

So, over the years, Aunt Gina has become a sister and a friend to me, the cool aunt to the big girls, and the one who will hold me no matter what to Meagan, and b.f.f. to Allison Jean (Side note - Emma just said today, "All I know is Uncle Cas is MY best friend." They are uncannily very much alike, besides looking alike.) Mark loves Gina, too. I'm pretty sure they raise their eyebrows at each other when the whole fam is being...Webster. No words have to be spoken. I think they both know what the other is thinking.

When we had Allison's dedication service at church, the associate pastor at the time, Jeff Schreve spoke about parenthood. It was so good. One of the things he said that has stuck in my mind was how important it is for parents to encourage meaningful relationships for their children with people who are on the same page spiritually and morally as mom and dad. The reason being that our kids need to know there are other adults who love them and care for them who are in their corner no matter what. He said there will come a time when your kid will think, "Of course my parents love me - they have to." They will look to others for advice and input. It's normal and natural. But the key, he said, is to keep those you know have your kids best interest at heart close. And encourage that relationship. My kids are truly blessed. They have so many in their lives that fit this description. Aunt Gina, without a doubt, is high on the list for my girls and I know she is for her brother's girls too.

Gina, I hope today is filled with

love...because you are so loved

laughter...because it's just fun to laugh til your face hurts

memories...because there are lots of good ones

happiness...because today is your day

contentment...because God's been good to you

hope...because you never know what's around the bend

anticipation...because God has good things planned (Jer. 29:11)

dancing...because I know you like to get your groove on...and it's in the Bible

and chocolate...because I know my sista likes her some chocolate.

I thank you for all you do for my girls. I bless you for being my brother's wife. I honor you for being a woman passionate for God. I love you for being you.