Isn't She Lovely

    She is days away from giving birth, and there is usually not another time in a woman's life when she feels so un-lovely, so distorted, or so unfamiliar with the image of herself that she sees reflected in the mirror. But she is beautiful. I can remember the first time I met her just over 10 years ago. She was a freshman at Auburn and had just begun dating our son who was a junior at the time. The Dad and I had traveled to Auburn for a football weekend. This son had dated a number of girls in the same sorority, and we kidded him that this girl would probably hear word of this, and run for the nearest exit. But she didn't. She found something special in him, and he in her. They dated for six years before they married. I am grateful that she gave him time to grow up, time to settle down, and time to realize that she was a prize and the one with whom he wanted to spend a lifetime.
    She fits in our family like a glove. We can be ourselves with her, and that is a gift that I do not take lightly. I like to think that she has seen us at our best, 'cause there is absolutely no doubt she has seen us at our worst. She and our daughter share the same name so it seemed destined from the beginning that she would be part of us. She and The Second Son have made a beautiful home. They are involved in a great church and have solid friends and a loving and giving community. She is so many things that I am not. She has a fashion sense and style that are impeccable. She balances her career and her many interests with ease and aplomb and is the perfect blend of organized and creative. She will be a terrific mother. Little Two is expected to be here within a week, and soon we will all be gaga over this new little granddaughter. Before the newest little star rises on the horizon, I wanted to take the time to tell this daughter-in-law how very thankful I am for her. She is a Godly woman, a thoughtful and loving wife, a loyal and treasured friend, and a person The Dad and I are honored to have as an integral part of our family. She is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside...and that is no small thing! Just to prove it, take a look at these pictures of this breathtakingly beautiful girl.