Happy Birthday, Sweet Karoline!

The problem with being a writer is that sometimes, words fail. And they fail at the times when I most wish to have them. Today, as I try to capture for you in words the essence of Karoline, words evade me. This child blesses. And blesses. And blesses. Someday, perhaps, I will share the whole story of how she got her name. For today, though, I will tell you that when you ask Karoline her name, she says it with sweet certainty: Karoline Rose. And when you ask her why she is named that, she says, "Because Mommy asked for a heavenly rose and St. Therese sent me!" She is so delighted by the awareness that she was an answer to prayer. I am still so amazed at how glorious this rose is.

Happy birthday, sweet rose of mine.