20

On February 15, 1990, around noon, a young couple, expecting their first child, entered the birthing factory that is the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah, not knowing what lay ahead. Why didn't they know what lay ahead? Have you ever attended a Lamaze class? Or seen those gritty 1970's Swedish home birthing films? Both are amazing deterrents to ever having children, but I digress...back to the story.

Several hours later, after much pushing, a "decell" in labor that led to the use of the word "stat" and the room filling with emergency personnel, and a break to watch a little "LA Law," in the early hours of February 16th, 1990, a daughter was born to that young couple. That young couple was absolutely amazed by this little girl. The father would quickly march out and buy the latest They Might Be Giants album, (yes, I said album, even though it was a cassette) "Flood" to welcome her home. From the moment they brought her home, this girl would bring them great joy.

Twenty years later, that young couple is not so young anymore and that little girl is now a young woman and today we celebrate her birthday. My first-born child, my little girl, is twenty years old today! I can hardly believe that the stunningly patient SML and I have a child that is no longer a teen-ager. We don't! Our Lady of BYU is twenty. She's in her second year at BYU, on track in her major, and having an amazing time.

As hard as it is to see her growing up, it's good to see her growing up. And she is. I'm proud of her. Happy birthday, Princess. Love you, Dad
Me, Our Lady of BYU, and her gaggle of friends