An Open Letter to Nolynn

Dear Nolynn,

Tonight you brought the breath of heaven to our world at GHS hospital in Greenville, SC. We waited all day for you! You were born on your Dad's and your great paternal grandmother's (Gran Ann) birthday's! God smiled at that one.

Your Mom and Dad arrived at the hospital after seeing your Mom's doctor this morning. They started an epidural and broke your Mom's water late this morning. Right at 8pm you brought a piece of heaven to earth. You came at 8lbs., 3 oz.! You are one healthy girl. We are so grateful to God for creating you (Psalm 139).

Judy, Gigi, Aunt Cassie, Uncle Dan, Aunt Kelly, Jake and I were all in the waiting room when you were born! Your Grandpa Don got to see you from Florida via Face Time on Judy's iPhone! He talked to you over the phone and we all cried. He will be here Thursday to hold you. He's such a humble and wonderful man. Your grandmother Judy is the best! She's a hoot and one day I'll explain what that means. Aunt Cassie just cried when she saw your Mom holding you. Gigi was so excited to see you because she was afraid you wouldn't get here before she had to fly to Indiana for her brother's funeral. God knew best. Your Aunt Sarah saw your picture as soon as you were born when your Dad texted your picture from the delivery room. She kept saying how beautiful you are.

Nolynn, we gathered around your Mom's bed, held hands as Mommy held you and we prayed giving thanks to God for the gift of you, your health, Mommy's health, your Daddy, and for the days ahead. We praised God for your birth and acknowledged that all of this happened because of Him and His great grace!

Nolynn, so many people have been praying for you. I have so much to ask you. How was heaven? What is God like? How big are His hands? Does He have deep belly laughs? Is His smile as confident as I imagine it is through His Word? What did He whisper to you as He gently let you out of heaven and into this world? Did He tell you He would see you again because of His Son's great love for all of us? Did He tell you that His son, Jesus once entered the world exactly as you did, as a baby? And that He sent Him for you, me and all who will believe in Him and call Him Lord?

Oh my precious granddaughter, we have so many books to read. I'll Love You Forever, Goodnight Moon, Muskrat Muskrat Eat Your Peas, I Love You This Much, the poetry of Shel Silverstein, and much more. But of all the stories I want to read to you in the coming months and years ahead, the most important is from Luke 2 and the story of Jesus' birth. I can't wait to pray with you.

Don and I want to teach you how to fish. Gigi and Judy want to cover you in dresses and outfits. Aunt Cassie, Uncle Derek, and Aunt Sarah want to spoil you rotten. By the way, your Dad, like Don and me, married up! I'll explain that some day.

Here's just a few things I can't wait to help and watch you experience: the feel of green grass on your bare feet; the cool water of the ocean; bubbles that touch your nose and explode; sour patch candy that makes your mouth twist; warm cuddles; meeting Nanny, Gran Ann, Gran Dad and Gram and Grampa Mills; Jack and Leeza's dog kisses; playing peak-a-boo and tasting ice cream for the first time.

You have a wonderful Mommy and Daddy. I can't tell you how much care Mommy took to eat right, rest, exercise and prepare for your birth. Your Daddy is going to be a great father. I can tell you have already stolen his heart. I know a little bit about how a Daddy's girl can captivate a father's attention and love. It wasn't that long ago, or so it seems that I held your Aunt Sarah in Norton's Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky when she was born. Oh yeah, I can't wait to show you Kentucky! Lush Bluegrass, horse farms, rolling hills and of course, Kentucky basketball! Don will introduce you to Gator football and Judy is going to make sure you see Texas. Texans are very proud people. Our nation owes a great debt to the people of Texas and their independent spirit. Gigi is from Indiana, where your Dad was born and they are going to have to explain to you about Hoosiers. One day you will come to appreciate all the good things the states that are part of your formative DNA have to offer. Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina and Texas are all part of your story. But you my little peach are a bona fide Carolina Girl!

Nolynn I pray God's protection over your little life and body. I pray Mommy will recover and gain her strength. I pray Daddy will always have a hug for you like he did when I peaked in on you before I left the hospital tonight. I pray as your parents continue to search for a church home that is exactly where God wants the three of you to grow in your faith and worship Him. I pray you will grow in the strength, admonition and steadfast love of the Lord. I love you granddaughter and again, I can't tell God enough how grateful I am for you. You my lovely are a gift from God and every day you and I breathe is ALL gift! I will write again soon.

Much Love, Mac (that's short for MC, my initials)