On this day, 2001, Macayla Grace Smoak was born at Self Memorial in Greenwood, SC. She came out healthy in spite of a challenging delivery for Mom. 

Macayla lived for nine years and died at 11:25 p.m. on this day in 2010. She celebrated 98% of her 9th birthday with us and then stepped into Christ's presence to celebrate so much more! The picture here is of her last birthday cake, provided by sweet friends at a difficult time. It is hard to believe it was three years ago. It seems like a lifetime and a blink of the eye at the same time.

We miss her. This was a tougher day than the last two birthdays. But we know she is whole. We know we will see her again. We grieve, but we grieve with hope.

"Get your book bag and get in the truck," I said to my son for the second time.
"Ok," he said.
I went to ensure the lights were off and house set. Upon returning to the kitchen, I find my son talking to his brother and sister about a Flat Stanley book. No book bag on his back. Ugh! 

I got down on his eye level, put my hand on the book about a flat boy and said firmly with eye contact, "Get your book bag and get in the truck."
"Yes, sir," he replied with a touch of frustration.
My frustration was building and wondering if there was going to be a true life "Flat Stanley" in our home! I turned to get my gear for the day and walking to the door to leave, I find my beautiful, wonderful, amazing (not yet flat) son playing with an eraser!

No book bag on his back...