“Today marks an incredibly special milestone—my daughter is turning 13 … going on 30. I can hardly believe how much she has grown, both physically and emotionally, and how deeply she’s impacted our family. Watching her become a young woman has been an incredible journey, one that’s full of love, challenges, and beautiful moments of growth. I’m so proud to be her parent, and I want to take a moment to reflect on her journey and what this birthday means to us as a family.”
Good morning good people!!! Like a whirlwind she arrived in our lives one blistering hot Sunday in February… and so began our parental journey. She is all twirls and swirls, ribbons and bows. Our beautiful delightful child. Our joy. Our bright, radiant, Light of God, Ziva Lily Gengiah.
As a toddler she was so determined and reached milestones effortlessly. Her formative years were wonderful with many outstanding achievements. Stepping into middle school posed to be challenging as this was her entry into mainstream schooling. She faced various changes on many levels. She was able to adapt and soon adjusted to the new school ethos. She is a storyteller of note and we are learning something new, funny, exciting, and scary about high school from her daily.
Thinking of her turning 13 catches my breath and ties into a tight knot in my chest, I exhale slowly thanking God for this child, this girl, this young lady who was given to us in the most unexpected way. She is coming into her own in some ways and in other ways holds fiercely to the “apron strings” as such. I am by no means letting go but at times I have learnt to loosen my grip.
She is very confident and comfortable with being adopted. For this we are eternally grateful. The tween years have been endless days of embracing the new and now her entering into the actual teenage years… we step in with a bit of trepidation having listen to tales of many who have trod this path before us. We have full hope in our Lord Jesus to continue to order our steps down this uncharted terrain.
In Ziva I find both a daughter and a friend, we have many bellyaching laughs and silly moments. I am learning more and more how very caring and kind she really is during those deep, heart to heart chats we share ever so often. She has evolved into now using her creativity and talents in worship to God and in service to Him at our household of faith. She is a backup singer, shares the Word of God with ease and conviction. She is both tech savvy and musically inclined with her hands on both keys and guitar. When she has a moment you will find her drawing or painting something fresh and enchanting. She has an eye for hair, make up and beauty and I am usually the guinea pig she experiments on. All the while excelling at academics as well. Besides all these lovely things about Ziva she is also growing to be more independent, more thoughtful, or more reflective. This fills our hearts with tremendous admiration for the one who made me and calls me mum.
Thirteen I look forward to you and to the years that are to follow with enthusiasm of the great adventure that lies ahead.
Happiest 13th birthday my beautiful child, you are loved and cherished beyond what words can say. Our prayer as your parents is that you will love God, His Word, and His people. That you will pursue His will for your life relentlessly.
Ziva! Ziva! Ziva! we love you.
Love always …