'Riah

"Not flesh of my flesh Nor bone of my bone, But still miraculously my own. Never forget for a single minute: you didn’t grow under my heart, but in it." -Fleur Conkling Heyliger

 

 

I want to take some time out to talk/brag about the baby girl that I do have here with me! I met Mariah Lynn Paschal for the first time on New Year's Eve day 2006-2007. We immediately shared a connection, and she has clung to me since. She was about to turn 3 years old when I came into her life. She couldn't say "Lindsay" so my name was "Denny" for a year or so. She is growing up wayyy too fast! She is now 7 1/2, and just started 2nd grade. She is the most loving, caring, compassionate, sincere, sensitive, "old" soul, and I could not love her anymore than I do already. I look at her like she's completely my own, and sometimes I get bummed that she didn't actually come from me! But, she is a product of me in a way, b/c I have helped to raise her these past 5 years, and I am soooo proud to say that I'm lucky enough to continue to be in her life and watch her grow. We are extremely close and affectionate, and if you didn't know the situation, you would probably assume that she is biologically mine. Sometimes when we are out in public, someone will say something like, "Your daughter is so cute!", and I make it a point not to correct them. ; ) Little 'Riah has been through so much in this past year, as well. She was SO excited to be a big sister to baby Ella. She talks about her often, sings about her when she's making up songs, colors pictures for her... she even named one of her new baby dolls "Ella". Having her around has helped me to go on, knowing that she needs me just as much as Ella would have. She is most definitely a Daddy's girl, but looks to me just as much for love, guidance, and protection. We are as close as we could ever be, and I could not ask for a cuter, sweeter child. She is like me in a lot of ways- she'll have me paint her fingernails only to go outside and play in the mud. She's a tomboy at heart, loves hard, is super-sensitive, and even has ridiculously long legs like I do. She looks up to me and always wants to be doing what I'm doing, and I can't even express how blessed I feel to have her in my life. I could go on and on (and there will be lots more about 'Riah to come), but for now I just couldn't wait to mention her. She has my whole heart and is the center of my universe. I love you baby girl!