Here it was again, August 23rd. Twenty-four years ago today, our daughter Amy was stillborn. As the years passed, it was always my first thought when I woke, followed by, "today Amy would have been x years old." This year was no different. Amy would have been 24. Rolling from bed, there was a familiar sadness. We should have been celebrating a birthday but just like the every other year, August 23rd would be a quiet day, privately thinking of our little girl who never celebrated a birthday. And yet, with my own birthday just 2 days later, it was hard to forget.

For years my sister Colleen had faithfully sent flowers. She never missing a year wishing Amy Colleen, her namesake, Happy Birthday. I loved it but after 18 years of her beautiful gift, I told her it wasn't necessary to continue. And so with reluctance, she stopped sending flowers but still, every year she continued to text a short message remembering Amy.

With Amy on my mind, I prepared for church. I needed to get there early to help with several responsibilities. My friend Pam would be volunteering with me.

After greeting one another, she reached into her bag and mentioned that she had something for me.
"For me?" I said questioning, uncertain why.
"Yes," she said. And then she handed me a beautiful little square box with a pretty bow and added, "This is a Happy Birthday for you and Amy."

I was so caught by surprise as tears quickly sprang to my eyes. How did she know it was Amy's birthday? Then Pam explained, "Well, you know I've been reading your book. Last night I was about to put it down but felt a nudge to read one more chapter. So I did. It was in that chapter that I learned that today was Amy's birthday and I felt like God wanted me to give this to you."

By now we were both crying as the men folk looked on with wonder. They never do quite understand how we ladies can erupt into tears so quickly. Anyway, I opened the box and inside lay a beautiful silver bracelet with a heart shaped clasp. Attached were two charms, one that read "Love" and the other that read "Daughter".

Yes, there were more tears and more hugs. And after another thank you, I headed into worship but I don't think I took my eyes off the bracelet for very long. Such a surprise...such a blessing. I am in awe of how God blessed me this year so that it did not seem quite so lonely.

And so once again, Happy Birthday Amy. I've never stopped missing you darling.