Showing love to all of us in many different ways

CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON

“God is fond of you ... If he had a wallet, your photo would be in

it. If he had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. He sends

you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you

want to talk, he’ll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and

he chose your heart ... “

-- MAX LUCADO

Each and every day is special, but today is extra special to us

because it is our granddaughter Mary’s first birthday.

It is hard to believe that a year has flown by so quickly, but it

is easier to accept when I think of all that Mary has learned in just

12 months. On the other hand, it seems like our lives have been

blessed for even longer than that, when I think of the joy that Mary

has brought us and to many others.

Mary is the child of our daughter Kelly and her husband Ryan.

Kelly and Ryan are very comfortable and natural parents, and Mary is

a happy and enchanting child. She seems to enjoy learning and

exploring, and is rarely without a contagious smile on her face and a

twinkle in her beautiful brown eyes.

One of her favorite things to say is “Hi,” and she says it

cheerfully to anybody and everybody she sees, even to dolls and

stuffed animals. Mary loves music, and likes to dance in her own way

whenever she hears upbeat songs. She likes to feed herself, and is

eager to feed others too. Sometimes if the mood strikes, and there

isn’t any food in front of her, Mary will happily pretend to feed you

and hopes you play along.

I had the privilege and fun of baby-sitting Mary last week, and I

enjoyed seeing the new things that she can do. Mary is learning to

pray before she eats. I watched as her mother Kelly modeled it to

her, and sure enough, Mary clasped her hands together too. Several

times during the day, Mary stopped playing and clasped her hands,

even though there was no food in sight.

“You’re right Mary, it’s good to pray on and off all day,” I said

to her.

Then, as if she understood what I said, she smiled and clapped.

I took Mary to the park to swing, and loved watching the sheer joy

on her face as she held on tightly and happily let the breeze blow

through her little curls.

Whenever other children and adults came to the park, Mary was

quick with her engaging smile and her famous greeting of “Hi!” She

seemed to like it when others greeted her back. When they left, she

waved to them with her own unique one-year-old wave.

When I re-read the quote at the top of the column, I smile for

several reasons. I smile whenever I think about Mary. Yes, Mary is

indeed a well-loved child; her picture is in our wallets and on many

refrigerators. God created her as a one-of-a-kind little miracle and

has unique plans for her life, plans that only she can fulfill.

The same is true for me, and the same is true for you. God created

each one of us, and not only is he fond of us, he adores us.

Let today be a special day for you. Let God show you his love for

you, through flowers, sunrises and sunsets, and by his eagerness to

listen to your every word spoken and every prayer prayed.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

[email protected] or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

Box 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.