This photo is a bit dated now, but then...CJ is timeless.

None of us can believe that she is 20 today. Is that because the time has flown by, or is it because she seemed to be nearly 20 when she was born? It seems she has been taking care of all of us since before she could talk. She's been a light in her Daddy's eyes, a right-hand to me through all kinds of circumstances, a best-friend to her older sisters, a near-twin to her first brother, and a playmate/confidante/second-mom to the rest of the B-team.

Most of you readers will know that CJ's life for the past 18 months is not what we'd have chosen for her. It's involved pain, sadness, uncertainty, and unfulfilled dreams. But it's also brought us all closer together and allowed us to get glimpses of just how blessed we all are to have each other. CJ's spirit, her unselfishness, and her trust in our Father's faithfulness have ministered to each of us during these months. Despite the circumstances, it's been our delight to have her here with us, during the dark days and the bright ones, squeezing all the sweet moments we can out of however long she can stand to stay in that bedroom upstairs...and we hope that will be a long time.

Happy birthday, dear. You are truly lovely...