Dear Mom and Dad,
In one month I get to see you.
In one month I get to celebrate you.
In one month I’ll get to pray for you, with you.
In one month I’ll get to hold your hands, in my hand.
Proverbs 1: 8-9ish (msg) “Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you. Never forget what you learned at your mothers’ knee. Wear their counsel like flowers in your hair, like rings on your fingers.”
I have missed you. I miss little moments with you:
When I was sick in Indonesia. All I wanted that day, was the presence and TLC from my mother.
When we were all sharing funny things that our Dad’s do. (ex: when Tom lets us know of specific important family matters through dinner prayers…) and I was left giggling to myself about how funny my dad is, and I wished I could tell all the stories but it’d take a life-time to share the laughs we’ve had thus far.
When we told stories of how dramatic and hilariously similar we are like our mothers. (ex: when Cindy would whip me with whatever she had in her hands at the time. Aka, hangers or brushes) and I was left hoping I’ll be just like my momma when I grow up.
When I wish to wake up. Walk downstairs in my underwear and watch TV with you, Dad. And have that moment when we look at each other giggle and say. “like father, like daughter.”
When I wish I could wake up on Saturday, crawl into bed with you and hold your hand, and giggle about never being too old to hold your mothers hand.
When I wish I could relax around the pool, drink a cold beer, eat crawfish and watch baseball with yall.
When we all can’t stop laughing and joking about the ridiculous things I say. Or the awful jokes dad makes… that are actually kinda funny. 😉
EVEN when I call to ask for something and we laugh because I know the answer is; “no, because it’s a want, not a need.”
God has reminded me of these moments in the midst of really painful situations:
When I was standing in an Indonesian orphanage listening to a 13 year old girl singing to her non-existent mother, updating this “mother” on the life that she has lived and that she’s okay.
When I was talking to a woman in the Philippines, who was working to get her kids through high-school and was dreaming of affording college. I was overwhelmed with the realization that my parents provided that for me and left me debt-free.
When I saw young women in Thailand, selling themselves because they didn’t have a strong woman in their life to remind them of their worth and to dream big.
When I held this precious Cambodian girl as she wept because her mom and dad had forgotten her for 2 hours.
When a precious Vietnamese woman thanked me for spending time with her, because her daughter didn’t want to these days.
When we worked with Bosnian young adults whose families had left them on the streets because they were “too much” to handle. For various reasons such as: drugs, mental illnesses, etc.
I have often asked God why right now? Should I feel bad for being so blessed with two loving parents?
I know why now. God has been using the way my parents have loved me to reveal His overwhelming love for me. Leaving me thankful, compassionate and desiring to love the people in front of me as they deserve to be loved.
Every month God reminds me of the two biggest blessings He has given me. He has branded a new appreciation for both of you, which will forever burn in my heart.
Dad, I thank God everyday for an earthly father like you. Who fights for his kids and family, mirroring the way our Heavenly Father does. Dad you are our warrior. The way you relentlessly share devotions with us everyday. How faithfully you pray for us. How you always point me back to Jesus by giving me the answer I never want to hear but always need to hear. How accepting you are of US, as the humans we are and the humans you push us to become. And the love you pour out for us is so overwhelmingly special that we don’t deserve you as our dad but my God I am so thankful to be a Bouchie.
Mom, I thank God everyday for the strength you exude. For the example you have given me as a strong, independent, tender, humorous, fun, LOVING wife and mother. Mom the way you come alongside us, is so unique and strong. It reminds me of the love Jesus has for His people. The way you feel deeply for people and empathize with others pain is the compassion of our God. The way you have found joy in this world through the midst of all the hurt you have been through, can’t be explained with justice but can only be observed and learned from. Mom we are un-deserving of you but I am so thankful you chose to endure the pain twice to welcome us into the world and be our mother.
God has taught me many things but ONE important lesson is the appreciation, love and support you deserve from me. I don’t know why God chose me as your daughter but I will forever be grateful for it.
SO: In one month I get to smile at two of the most beautiful faces I have ever laid eyes on.
In one month I get to serve our God, side by side, with my two favorite people.
In one month I get to thank you in person. I get to look at the two people who raised me and say thank you for loving me.
In one month I get to throw my arms around your necks and embrace the two biggest gifts, as if they have been waiting under the tree for 8 months, and i’m a kid on Christmas morning.
In one month I get to see my mom and dad & with joy and excitement I get to say, “See you soon” and mean it!!
I love you to the moon & back,
Your #1 daughter, Katie B.
