I am once again grateful for Karissa Beth. She is 30 years old today and one of the most precious gifts I’ve ever been given. 

I am so grateful for the memories I have of my daughter.  She weighed 4 lbs, 8 oz when she entered this world, and I remember thinking she was just like a tiny doll – the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. All of the other babies in the nursery were large and fat, and she was this small little thing that was perfect from head to toe. She was MINE, and she was even more special because she was a surprise, six weeks early. 

Karissa was a perfect baby – rarely cried and had such a happy smile for everyone. I loved dressing her in pretty clothes and showing her off to anyone and everyone. She was the student in class in elementary who never caused problems, was quiet and sweet and did as she was told. She was always so careful to please and respect her elders, and she was always sensitive to the underdog. 

In junior high and high school at Elyria, her personality really changed and she came into her own, developing a love for athletics and music, while being a part of a great group of friends who were the recipients of her many practical jokes and pranks.

She continued her love of sports and music at Central Christian and excelled in both, resulting in scholarships for college and recognition well deserved. 

While at Barclay, Karissa again made me so proud with her achievement in volleyball and basketball, and it was during this time, she met her future husband, Mandrae. 

Since her graduation from college, Karissa and Mandrae have become parents to four children and live in Texas. Karissa has made me so proud becoming a Mom to these four, and I miss her and them every day.

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I am grateful for memories of her always changing her mind – her bedroom decor changed with the seasons. I am grateful for memories of her ridiculous exaggerations that made us laugh. I am grateful for memories of her photographs. I am grateful for memories of hearing Karissa and Katrina laughing so hard together. I am grateful for memories of listening to her sing in a recording studio in Malibu. I am grateful for memories of her playing the part of “Maria” in “The Sound of Music.” I am grateful for memories of playing the piano for her when she sang. I am grateful for memories of her singing “Jesus, Name Above All Names” as a little girl. I am grateful for memories of her on a little cassette tape that we made for Clare and for my parents. I am grateful for memories of her and her Elyria friends all having so much fun down in the basement. I am grateful for memories of car rides home from school every day, hearing all of the drama from the day. I am grateful for the trips I was able to take to visit her at Barclay. I am grateful for the memories of all of her schoolwork and art that I kept in a box. I am grateful for the miracle of the internet, so I can google her name and listen to her sing a few songs. I am grateful that Karissa is hardheaded and extremely sensitive and is loyal to her Dad and loves being with her sister. I am grateful that she values family time. I am grateful that she found a man who loves her and grateful for memories of their beautiful wedding that held such meaning. And I am grateful that she loves Jesus and is raising her children to love Him, too. 

Happy birthday, Karissa Beth. I love you and am so grateful you came into my life 30 years ago.