For My Taryn (and Grace, too)

My niece Taryn Lanae, better known to me as "Rynie", turns 14 today! And even though my sister (who is very different than myself) gave birth to her, Taryn is much like me . . . and I just love that about this sweet girl! Humble of me, I know.

On October 15th, 1994 at approximately 4:40 a.m. I was awakened from a sound sleep by my ringing telephone. Taryn had arrived! We were stationed in Florida at the time, and it would be a bit before I saw her sweet little self in Michigan, but my world became sweeter that day . . . our world became sweeter that day.

God has given Taryn a heart for His people. She is sensitive, and loving, and thoughtful, and kind, and funny. Rynie loves the Lord, and she loves to laugh . . . I love that about her! She is pure sunshine in my life.

Taryn and Teddi enjoying a rain shower!

This picture was taken soon after we arrived "home" in Michigan for our vacation. Taryn had waited faithfully for Teddi to come home from China (and then waited some more, until we could get to Michigan). It was pure joy to finally see them together! As I was just now looking at this picture, God reminded me of what an "umbrella" Taryn is in Teddi's life. She began covering our sweet girl in prayer the moment we announced that we were pursuing Teddi's adoption, and she's never stopped. Thank you Rynie for your overflowing and faithful love for your cousin, she is so very blessed by you!

Aunt T.T. (that would be me) and my Ryn, summer of '96


Precious girl, nearly all grown up ~ January 2007

I'm late with your card and gift Rynie, please forgive me. . . I haven't been out much (we all know that don't we?). I did recently go to Target, yes, but I was serious about the wandering aimlessly part. . . . by the way, the "Popcorn Combo" did not disappoint!

While I'm saying my Happy Birthday wishes, I must also mention another birthday girl. You will be happy to know, Taryn, that this sweet little one in China entered God's amazing world on the same date you did, just ten years later! Little Grace turns four (as I type), and she is about to get the very best present in the world. A family! Grace's mama and daddy, Sarah and David, and her two brothers and two sisters, will soon be on their way to China to bring Grace home. Oh how we wish they were celebrating with her, but we rejoice knowing that she will never, ever celebrate another birthday without her family! You can follow Grace's journey home, here.

To my Taryn, and to Grace~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to His precious ones! You are loved beyond measure!

Birthday Blessings from my nest ~

Tina (Aunt T.T. to you Rynie!)