January 30, 1989

I wish I could have been there.

It was 46 degrees in the small borough of Sellersville, Pennsylvania. It was much warmer in the maternity ward of Grand View Hospital where a little blonde haired, blue-eyed baby made her first appearance in the world.

January 30, 1989, you entered your first day on earth. Unfortunately I couldn’t be there to hold you because…well because I was still 93 days from making my very own journey into the world. But I will forever be grateful for that day. Alyssa, your birth impacted so many. Your life has changed so many others’ lives for the better. Your sweet spirit has lifted the spirits of others for 27 years since that day.

But you can put mine at the top of the list of lives affected for the better. I’m not sure I made it through the first 20 years of my life without you, except by the grace of God. But I am forever grateful that it was part of God’s plan for us to be together.

I love you. I always will. The only day better than January 30, 1989 is every day that I get to spend with you.

Happy birthday, my love.

Ryan