Life's melody

We wanted to have 3 or maybe 4. But as God would have it, we just had one. No regrets there. Still blessed. Life has been melodious, full of fortissisimos as much as there have been pianissimos and espressivos.

At seven months inside of me you were kicking to the beat of Beauty and the Beast's Be Our Guest! The following day, I had to reassure the OB-GYN that you were perfectly fine despite her not being able to hear a heartbeat. I should have recognized the first sound you made 2 months later...that was not a baby's cry; it was your first attempt at singing! When you were 6 months old, you would "rock" to the beat of pop songs.

And so it has been, these past 19 years. You have grown beautifully, like a variety of songs of diverse genres...soulful and loving like the ballads, fierce (just sometimes) like Beethoven's conciertos, graceful as Mozart's waltzes, heartwarming like the standards, and upbeat like the pop songs.

You have your Daddy's funny nature, wisdom and talent. You are your mother's daughter; you're my spittin' image (much to your discomfort, I guess) and I suppose you have my "strength" of character as well - as we are slowly discovering :) Balance these as you begin your last year as a teen. I shall continue to pray for your good health, safety and protection as much as I pray for your wisdom and kind nature.

Dearest Anna, continue to compose your life with melodies and lyrics that would please God and yourself. Belt out your best and sing to your heart's delight!

Happy birthday, langga!