When I was pregnant, I was diagnosed with a rare pregnancy condition called Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy. Basically, during mid-late pregnancy, my bile acid levels increased to heightened levels, deposited under my skin, and left me with agonizing itchiness. The condition would reverse after delivery, but with it worsening in my last few weeks, it was advised that I deliver early.

When choosing the induction date for my oldest daughter, the nurse gave me the options to deliver on April 4th or April 5^th. Since April 4^th is my wedding anniversary, I opted for the 5^th. I figured that would give my husband and me a special day separate from our daughter’s birthday. However, God had other plans.

On the evening of April 3^rd, I went to get a massage because it was the only time that I seemed to be able to tolerate the overwhelming itchiness. It wasn’t long after I got home, however, that I realized I was going into labor. Twenty-two hours later, on April 4, 2012, Evelyn Elizabeth was born. She was pink, she was perfect, and she was the greatest anniversary gift we would ever be given.

Five years have passed since my husband and I celebrated both our anniversary and the birth of our daughter. As you may have guessed, her birthdays have since superseded our anniversary outings. My husband and I do make time, another day in April, to spend time alone and to celebrate our married years together. But on April 4^th, we exchange cards, he sends me flowers, and we celebrate our daughter’s birthday.

The day is filled with her favorite things ~ family, cake, presents, and birthday wishes. But more than anything, it is filled with love.

I urge you to celebrate a special day in your life. On what day were you given a gift that exceeded your expectations? We all have momentous days worth remembering and celebrating ~ birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, promotions, new jobs, home purchase, personal achievement, new business, pet adoption, sobriety, reunions, or any day that holds a personal meaning for you.

You might even want to give your own day a name fit for a calendar. If people can celebrate National Doughnut Day, you have every right to celebrate your special day, maybe by splurging on some doughnuts!

“Celebrate what you want to see more of.” ~Thomas J. Peters

~Think on These Things~

Natalie