Abby Birthday

Abigail Elizabeth Danielle Dryden.

The initials were deliberately set to be a constant reminder of the most beautiful woman in the world.  Thank God so far Abigail herself has been such a tremendous blessing in our lives that she will undoubtedly be recognised as the most beautiful woman in someone else’s world.

It was 3:27am of Monday 29^th May 2006 when she finally made her debut in the world.  There was immediate concern from related parties because of the skin pigmentation.  It was so light that I was somewhat confused about the link to me and obviously got thinking of foul play.  As time went on and her features became more evident there was no denying that she was of the DrydenKind.

She shares quite a distinct achievement in never celebrating her birthday living in the same location.  We’re not gypsies and as you know I hate moving, but it has been the case that in 2007, 2008, 2009 and now 2010 she finds herself celebrating birthdays living in different homes.  Quite remarkable.  It would be understandable if that level of movement would be unsettling for one so young.  To her eternal credit and to our eternal gratitude to the eternal One she has remained as effervescent, bouncy and full of life as she was the day she bounded out of her mother’s womb.

For indeed that is the character of Abigail – she is full of life, energy, verve and tenacity.  Authrine and I resolved that Deborah is more like me and Abigail is more like her, but that’s not a bad thing!  (Heh!)  It doesn’t do justice to Abigail’s character to just label her as being like her mother.  There is an infectious dynamism about her that is a joy to behold.  She expends so much energy it can be exhausting to just watch her go.  In all that energy she is a very caring and considerate girl.  Very helpful and happy to put her weight in when required.

She is also an incredibly flexible girl, physically.  She is a girl of rhythm and able to contort her body to any beat that’s going on – she is quite a dancer.  I shall obviously have to restrain her efforts so that the world may not know of it.  Seriously though where her sister is more verbose, Abigail lets her body do the talking and she can make her point known in an unmistakeable manner.

Before the birth of Zoë, it was the case that Abigail wasn’t that prone to letting her thoughts and views known to mankind.  I don’t know what to put it down to, but ever since she got back to the home when her little sister was born she’s found her voice.  So in fulfilment with womanhood as I know them once turned on, it is very difficult to switch her off.  Out of her mouth comes the sweetest things, and also one or two things that are not so sweet and she has not as yet mastered the art of tactful and diplomatic speech.  It is still a delight checking her spreading her verbal wings even if some of her flights have to be aborted.

I am grateful for her reaching another year, God’s mercies on her have indeed been plentiful and I look not to take her life for granted.  She is an awesome blessing to her sisters, to her mother, to her brother and the family and friends who have likewise fallen in love with the tough and compassionate bundle of joy.  I am also overwhelmed by God’s love in gifting me with such a spiritually sensitive and alert girl.  I hope that for as long as God gives us life that it will be used well in thanksgiving and Abigail will grow in grace and wisdom just like her biblical namesake.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

dmcd