Sweet Sarah


 I have been looking forward to today, so I can officially #GiveThanks for the baby girl who made me a Daddy 33 years ago today!

Bonnie and I were grateful to be having a "honeymoon baby" since we had waited a long time to meet and marry. That gratitude was compounded when I was diagnosed with cancer during the pregnancy; after two surgeries, I was in the hospital for a course of intense chemotherapy when Bonnie went into labor. We were in the same hospital but on different floors; at times we passed messages to each other with the lady who pushed around the refreshment cart!
Because of my treatment I was sadly not able to fully participate in the experience of delivery; Bonnie mostly did it all without me. My short-term memory was impacted by the drugs I was taking, so I had to write down the details of the birth so I would be able to tell people I talked to on the phone. We were not aware of the baby's gender in advance; but I could not have been prouder to have a new little baby girl to spoil as we moved forward in life.
So today, I am first of all grateful for the miracles of modern medicine that resolved my cancer and enabled me to have the experience of watching that darling baby grow into a beautiful and talented girl. She was my "little princess" and I adored her. I still do.
Sarah was an amazingly self-motivated, self-confident, happy child. She could melt me with her sparkling blue eyes. She loved trying new things (see video) and excelled at them all, except maybe traditional sports - not her forte. She would wake herself up early in the morning to practice flute or piano, do all her homework without being asked, and was always willing to help around the house. She loved reading and learning, and loved spending time with friends.
It has been truly amazing to watch her growth and development through the 33 years that have passed - physically, spiritually, intellectually. She breezed through high school, entered BYU on a full-tuition scholarship, had a great spiritual growth experience at the BYU Jerusalem Center, was accepted to the nursing program and completed her RN certification, met and married a good man. She put her personal life on hold for her four lovely children; now she excels as a wonderful and devoted mother.
I am so blessed to be the father of such a wonderful woman! She has added richness and hope to my life in so many ways. I love you,
Sarah
! You are still my princess, goose, pumpkin, snugglebunny, and prettiest girl in Utah!!

 

 


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