The greatest day ever

For me, the greatest day ever will always be July 20th. In 1987, that was the day the love of my life...my reason for being was born. And in 2007, that was the day she met Jeff. I'll never forget those two days.
She was supposed to be here July 14th. But she decided to make us wait. It was Monday morning when we went to the hospital. The doctor had told us if she didn't come that weekend, he was going to induce labor. I still remember the fear and excitement I felt that morning. I remember so vividly leaving the apartments we lived at, and pulling out onto Overton Ridge Blvd...knowing that my first and only child would be born that day. I remember my mother being there at the hospital. I remember my sister Barbie being there, but only because I used to have a great picture of that night. It was when they were taking Christi and Briana from the delivery room to a regular room. In the picture was Briana's brother Travis and her cousin Alex, straining to see the new baby over the edge of the bed. I have no idea what happened to that photo, but it was one of the best I've ever taken. Christi was so beautiful, holding that precious angel. And the smiles on the faces of Briana's brother and cousin, seeing her for the first time, were priceless! I think my sister Kathy and my nieces Lindsey and Rachel were there also, but so much of that day and night were such a blur to me. I was so focused on my princess being born that the whole world could have been there and I wouldn't have noticed.
I remember there was something Christi needed that night that we forgot to bring. I can't remember what it was. But I remember going back to the apartment that night to get it. While I was there, I stopped by the apartment of one of my co-workers and we smoked cigars to celebrate the occasion. And most of all, I will never forget seeing that baby take her first breath. If there was ever a moment in time that I could go back and re-live, it would be that one! That is the most magical moment a person can ever experience!
Then came last year, July 20th, 2007. My plan for the night was for us to go see the movie version of Hairspray on opening night. Hairspray has a special meaning for me, because of her, and I thought it would be great for us to go see the movie together on it's opening night, just me and her, for her 20th birthday. But she made other plans. My feelings were hurt, somewhat, but I understood that she would rather spend that time with her friend instead of her dad. She ended up going to see a band play at the Ridglea Theatre. It was there that she met Jeff. And because of that, it was well worth the hurt feelings.
Because of that fateful night, I have been blessed beyond belief. Now I have Jeff in my life...He's such as great guy. He's quite intelligent...has a great sense of humor...great musical taste...and he's a great dad. Then there is Jaiden and Ethan..my little buddies. I love them so! Sometimes it's hard for me, because my "rules" don't always conform to the real rules... but I guess that's the conundrum of being a grandparent. I don't know how it is...that in less than one year of knowing them, those little boys became one, or rather two, of the highlights of my life. I guess it's probably good for Jeff and Briana that I can't spend more time there, but every time I do come over, and spend time with the boys, I leave with the feeling that I wish I could have spent more time with them.
And now, they've given me my little Princess Emma Faye Griffith. As if the gift of Ethan and Jaiden weren't enough!! Now, a little girl. And anyone who really knows me, knows what that means to me. She's the most beautiful...the most precious girl my God put on this earth since a baby named Briana was born!!! And to think...none of these great blessings would have come my way if I had anything to do with it...if I had taken Briana to see that movie on her birthday like I wanted.