Sara
Elizabeth Luebben Smith came into my life for the first time on July 4,
1987. Her mom (Sally) flew out to visit
me after a few months of writing and phone calls in May of 1987; and well,
things went rather well, so we both knew that it was critical that Sara and I
meet, to see if this might be the future that the Lord had in mind for us. So in July I flew back to Chicago, where
Sally came to pick me up, and Sara and I got to know each other for the 1st
time. She was not quite 5, and I don’t
know how much she might even remember this visit; but Sally and I sure do.
Sara seemed to take to me right away, and she was so
adorable and joyful, there was no question that I could love her as my own if
the Lord willed. And guess what – the Lord
did will. I proposed to Sally, and also
Sara for all practical purposes, long distance, with a large sign in their
front lawn on September 9, 1987.
I was
not able to experience Sara’s birth and earliest years, but was able to help
her learn how to ride a bike, dance on the fold-out couch together to the
Nutcracker Suite, camping, exploring the beautiful northwest and country
together. I missed the diapers and
sleepless nights with Sara, but was there for almost all of her milestone life
events; not such a bad trade off all in all.
One of the very special highlights of my life was when Sara agreed for
me to adopt her, at age 6. Some of the
most difficult years were seeing you face such hard times in your late teens,
and not being able to protect you like a father should, or so longs to. But you have grown into such a beautiful and
wonderful lady, wife, and mother. God
has blessed you with four living children, one in heaven, and one on the
way! Wow, hard to imagine that that 4
year old girl I would meet on the 4th of July would be turning 30
and carving out such a wonderful life.
I
love you Sara, you are my first child, my first daughter, and mother of my
first five grandchildren (Ethan being with our Lord). Mom and I are so grateful
that you maintain a faith in our Lord; and hope and pray that you and TJ will
grow in the Lord, and help your children grow in the Lord as you enter your 30’s. Just think, in the next 10 years Auston will
be 21, MaKenzie 19, Tray 17, Brenna 15, and your newest child 9. The Lord has placed them under your care,
what a blessing and responsibility. Trust and lean on Him, and make sure you
expose your children, our grandchildren to Him as often as you can, and trust
Him with their lives, as we have trusted our precious Savior with yours, and
been so very blessed.
