Spreading her wings to fly

Lauren liked to babysit, kid sit really, and had several families she sat for. Ainsley and Preston Miller were two of her favorite kiddos. Tammy and David, their parents, were like second parents to Lauren, definitely the “cooler parents” over Bryan and I. They were more like older siblings that she went to for advice and guidance. The whole family loved on and cared for my girl…I’m thankful for the special connection they had.

Ainsley graduated from Lufkin High School this year. She loves to design and sew clothing and even sewed her prom dress, a beautiful blue and black lace dress, this year. Lauren had “a love thing” for James Avery jewelry so we thought a sewing machine charm was perfect for Ainsley’s graduation gift.

I also wanted to give her a piece of Lauren’s own personal jewelry. I chose a silver butterfly bracelet with pink, peach and green ribbons on it. I thought it looked like something Ainsley would wear and might enjoy.

I didn’t want to risk these special items getting lost in the mail. So I sent them back with Taylor, our son and also close with the Miller’s, to personally deliver them to Ainsley. Taylor chatted a few minutes with Ainsley and Tammy and left before Ainsley opened her gift. She immediately started crying when she saw the butterfly bracelet, which was the first thing she saw in the box. Tammy was concerned and asked her what was wrong. She said ” I didn’t think I would ever see this bracelet again. Lauren would let me wear it and play with it when she babysat. One time Preston was watching a movie I didn’t like and she gave it to me to play with while we sat watching the movie.” Tammy had no idea of that connection and memory of that bracelet for Ainsley…nor did I, when I chose it for her. She also got out a butterfly hair clip to show her Mom, that was Lauren’s, and she had given to Ainsley one time while sitting for the family. Neither Tammy or I knew about that little gift either.

Ainsley called me immediately to share about her memories with the butterfly bracelet. We were all blown away and crying about the significance of the bracelet. I’m so glad I picked that particular piece of Lauren’s jewelry for Ainsley. It was a God wink, for all of us, for sure!

And of course she loved the sewing machine charm and it’s currently being added to her charm bracelet. She also thanked me for both gifts, one priceless and one special. We also chatted about how excited she was to be attending Texas Women’s University in the fall.

Ainsley is leaving her cocoon and spreading her wings to fly. One day when she is a famous designer, maybe she will wear that butterfly bracelet while showing her new design collection on a New York runway .