I am honored to introduce you to our guest author for today, my mother Jill. She has graciously agreed to share with you all, what I believe to be one of the most beautiful letters I’ve read. As her third-born child (my younger sister) embarks on a new journey in her life, this loving mama’s words are just too wonderful not to share.
Dear Sadie Robin Davis,
You were the third of four perfect gifts given to us. April of 1992 saw your father walking from Portland to Seattle for a mission fund raiser (there are MUCH better ways to raise money… we would learn). You decided not to wait for your due date and were on your way. Cell phones were not readily available to us then so I didn’t know where your dad was on the journey.
I got a friend to stay with Angie and Joel and drove myself to the hospital. Upon entering was asked if I needed a wheel chair, my courageous self said, “No.” Needless to say I got lost in the empty corridors of the hospital in the middle of the night. Finally found labor and delivery and was prepped for a C-section. I quit explaining where my husband was at some point. He missed it. There is a picture of my friend, Debbi, handing you to your dad in the hallway.
You went to the Mission with us at a week old. As you grew, I would put you in a box while I sorted donated clothing. One day you grabbed a pink silky robe. Soon you were inseparable from your ‘nigh night’. (You still sleeps with it today!). When you began to talk, you would always ask other kids what Mission their mommy and daddy worked at.
Throughout your life you have made amazing friends with several people we have cared for in our programs. You sat with me as we shared funny stories with Tim, as he was dying of liver cancer. His family asked you to speak at his funeral. Your 16th birthday request was to go visit Tim’s grave.
Recently, you turned 18 and will be leaving for college. Our hearts are breaking but it is what is supposed to happen. Two kids have already left the nest, but it doesn’t make it easier. What challenges and joys it has been to raise our four kids in a Mission environment. I believe your lives are richer and you are more sensitive, caring human beings.
As a young woman, our little Robinhood (Joel told you when you were little that your middle name was really Robinhood) graduate from high school this month, we pray that God will clearly guide you as you embark on the next chapter of your life.
I love you my third sunshine,
Mom
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