Cass’ Birthday

Today we celebrate the birthday of my youngest daughter, Cass. 28 years ago, she entered the world as we know it. Quite a surprise.

I had just finished a concert. Both my wife and I at the time, were tired, overtired. The day had begun around 4AM and 11PM was on the dial. “Moments” later I was awake, feeling something was different.I looked over to my wife at the time and she did not look well. The next few hours were high speed.

Two days later Cass came into the world…very early and very small. Weighing a little over a pound, Cass spent her first year in the hospital. She came home on oxygen and love. Life was not always easy for you from a health perspective, but you persevered.

I am pretty excited to have these 28 years with you! You have come a long way! I am proud of you!

I look at these years and my daughter and I realize it was the grace of God operating in my life that allowed for her to be here. (Even when I was arguing with doctors and administrations over operations and such, God gave me grace.)

I look at you and recognize that God can and will move through you in the coming days. That because of all the things you endured, He can use you in the lives of people who are broken. (The question will never be “can you” but “will you”. We all face that challenge.)

As I go to buy you a “Boston Cream Pie” I am reminded of the days of oxygen (We had R2D2 before he was popular.)and tube feedings, the ups and downs of health and the realization that you made it!

Today is your day! But 28 years ago was your day as well. I will never forget the doctor coming to me and saying “do you want to see you daughter?” (I did not know she had lived at that point. 2 days of crazy in a hospital was overload.)I was shocked. “Uhh…okay… They had you on a flat little Isolette. (In the days to follow, I realized my wedding ring could go over your foot!)A tiny little child. Amazing!

Over that year I watched too many who did not make it. I sat and spent time with many a parent who did not get to take home their child. That alone, gives me a reason to be grateful.

I was not saved in those days and yet I knew even the tiniest was life. I knew there was a God, but I was certain He was not looking for me and I was making sure I did not get on His radar!

Today, as always, I am thankful for you being here!