Happy 15th Birthday, Robin!
The boys call her "Aunt Robin" or "My Robin". Our meeting was by chance through our mutual friends, Melinda and Carl. Robin actually filled a position I left many years ago at the Human Service Center's Youth Services. She and Chase connected at Mindy and Carl's Wedding, and he brought her home. We kept her. Here we are, almost 32 years later. She is a part of our family.
I was looking for something and came across these pictures. The timing was perfect for our Leap Year birthday girl. I will never forget the year that Chase was officially older than her. It wasn't long and Walker was, too. When they were little, they both loved reminding her that they were older.
She was an extra adult in their life who has loved them fiercely. She still does. She says we taught her some things along the way, too. I believe it was mutual and reciprocal. I remember her helping paint our family room with Randy while Jill and I wallpapered the kitchen. They sounded like brother and sister, fussing at each other as they completed the task. Jill and I could not help but laugh listening to them. It is pretty close to what it sounds like when Randy is with his own sisters. Some parts of our family we are born to. Some, we choose. Others... I think God chooses for us. That would be Robin.
Robin has mastered the gift of being "present" with people when she is with them. Some people have to work at it with intention. It is one of her gifts. When we met her, she never thought she would be great with kids, but she adapted and became the baby whisperer for all of the little ones in her world. She's a favorite with many of her nieces and nephews... and with the "greats."
She has a way with people... and animals. She used to take the boys to Wildlife Prairie Park when they were little. She volunteered. They learned so much and had some special experiences, too. She modeled tenderness towards all of God's creatures big and small.
A couple of years ago, she nearly died from sepsis. God rescued her...literally... and she pressed on. She is grateful for every day and every opportunity to share the Gospel. Her mission isn't complete.
This was my verse for the day. It is perfect for her heart and the way she tries to live and love.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." -2 Timothy 1:7
We hope she has an amazing "Fabulous 15th" Birthday. We hope she knows she is loved.
Today, I am grateful Robin gets to have a real birthday.
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