9-11-01

Though this day 8 years ago was one of tragedy, sadness and terror it is also a day of happiness and celebration for my family. Payton Diann Pearson was born on 9/11 at 4:11 and weighed 7.11. Pretty cool, huh? I, of course, had no part or was even aware that Payton or Roy existed on the day she was born, but I am so happy this day happened! As a sidenote, I did meet Roy 3 days later and actually saw pictures of Payton in the hospital at that meeting. I had no idea then that that man and that sweet baby girl would be the beginning of the life I had prayed for. I will go into details of my and Roy's courtship at a later date. This post is about Payton :)
Payton - first let me tell you how much I love and adore you. You are such a sweet, heartfelt and caring little girl. You are always so patient with your brothers and love being their big sister. They love you, too! I will explain this to you when you are older so that you may understand it better, but I want you to know that before I met your father, I prayed that I would find a man who loved the Lord, loved his children and wanted to be a family man - home each night, home on the weekends, coaching soccer, and the like. I never thought that I would marry someone who already had children. I actually didn't think your dad was the "one" when we first met, but the more I prayed the more I heard the still, small voice say his name. I think the Lord lead me to your dad because the Lord knew he was the man I needed, but He also knew that I needed YOU. I am so proud of you and can't wait to watch you blossom into the young woman that I know God intends for you to be. I love the fact that you always want to read your Bible with your dad each night, that you not only take your Bible to church on Sundays but that's it's always accompanied by a notebook and a pencil. You seek to know more about Jesus and I pray that your zeal for seeking His face will continue. Thank you for making me a better mom. It is my prayer that I am the woman and and the example that you need me to be. Happy Birthday Tater! I love you!