Happy birthday, Katrina Beth. I have always loved your name. It’s spunky and fun, but sensitive and sweet. It fits who you are.

I love talking to you on the phone. I could listen to your stories about your daily adventures and Parker and Reilly and ups and downs and your philosophy on life and current events and love of movies and tv shows and hear your laughter and sense your pain…and wish there was never an end to the conversation.

I love how you are passionate about your calling in life. You have accepted this ministry of reaching out to young people, of partnering with your husband, of opening your home to any and all, with such a grace and a compassion that is an example for the rest of us to follow. You sacrifice in order to serve. You teach your little girls what it means to live on less in order to fully live.

I love the memories you have given to me over the years. Some of my greatest joys in this life have been to sit in the stands and watch you play volleyball, or basketball, or softball, or run track, or play tennis with your sister. Or to listen to you surrounded by your many friends around the kitchen table as you laughed and played board games into the wee hours of the morning.

I held your tiny hand in mine 30 years ago, loving you as my new baby girl, and today, so many miles away, I am holding your hand in my heart, still my baby girl, and loving you 30 years even more.

I am so proud of the woman you are and so honored to call you my daughter.

You are my grateful today and every day, Katrina Beth. I love you tons.