THE THIRD WORLD!!!
Carly is 23 years old today and she has packed so much into a very short time. This will be the first birthday that I have not spent with my baby girl and it is very emotional for me. (Thanks Ty and Holly for having us to dinner--it will really help.) Carly had a rough beginning and we almost lost her to Hyaline Membrane Disease, but through faith and prayer and bartering with a Higher Power, Carly recovered.
Carly has always had advanced thinking skills. When she was four years old she asked me. "Who is Heavenly Father's Father?" (Anyone? anyone? with an answer for that?) When she was five, she asked me where our dog, L.A.'s, belly button was? The whole family looked and we couldn't find one!
Carly, I am so sorry that you thought the present shown above was a super-powered Barbie Car when it was really a filing cabinet! I think Dad and I have made it up to you by providing the finest dance instruction anywhere with Ballet West Conservatory, a summer of dancing in Seattle with the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and a month in Europe!
I am so proud of Carly and the way she tackles life unafraid. She has always sought adventure and learning new things: working in Maine, spending spring break doing humanitarian service, rock climbing, learning Spanish, and now helping native Ecuadorian Indians to improve their lives.
Things I miss while Carly is in Ecuador:
1. Snuggling on the couch.
2. Editing her college papers.
3. Oliver
4. Talking and laughing with her.
5. Coming home to find her working on her laptop in the family room.
6. Her total honesty and non judgmental opinions.
7. Sharing world events with a girl who does not listen to talk radio, have a T.V. or newspaper.
8. Long discussions in my bedroom while Oliver "grazes."
9. Kisses and hugs.
10. Being with Carly and Oliver.
Dad and I love you very much and
we can't wait to be with you!
