Thirty two years ago today, my youngest child was born, a beautiful baby girl who captured my heart immediately. As the nurse tucked her into my waiting arms, she studied my face intently with wide open, solemn eyes, as if putting a face with the voice she recognized. Satisfied, she settled into my arms and deeply into my love, content to study the room. I’ve read that babies can’t see well immediately after birth. But Adriel Lauren Moore could, and she seemed curious about her world.
She’s been curious ever since, always learning, exploring and discovering.
I looked up Adriel’s name:
“Adriel, you are powerful and have all that you need to journey well through life. You are intelligent and require multiple outlets for your high energies. You are not a builder but a planner, and you are capable of directing others to carry out your plans. You are bold, independent, inquisitive and interested in many subjects. You know what you want and why you want it.
Dependable, very down-to-earth and well grounded, you desire meaningful work, a career that you can take pride in and that you can offer your best to. You appreciate having a sanctuary, a secure environment that supports you, both at home and at work. You can be very dedicated to achieving goals and gaining objectives. You are detailed and well-organized, possessing great organizational skills. At times you may appear stubborn and overly critical to others, but your practical, intuitive and creative approach to life makes you a valued member of your community.”
True words about my daughter! She is intelligent, bold and inquisitive. She does have all that she requires to journey well, including a supportive family, faithful friends and a sweet, fun man to walk alongside her. And when she has an idea that resonates with her, there is no stopping this powerhouse from reaching her goal. No matter how long it takes or what challenges pop up, Adriel keeps going.
She is one of the most dependable and down to earth people that I know. Adriel has always been the connector in our family. Information travels to each of us through her and holiday gatherings take place at her house. She can take a no nonsense approach with others, when required to, and she cares for others, human and animal kind, with compassion and warmth.
It’s been a busy year for this active girl. She and her fiancé Nate bought a house. They’ve traveled and explored the outdoors and cared for their fur babies. And they said good bye to two of them. Adriel’s older dog was truly a special needs dog, adopted from a shelter. Mylee was extremely lovable, and extremely challenging, having many health and emotional issues. Most people would have given up on her. Adriel gave her a forever home, loving her anyway…and released her humanely when advanced age made life impossible for Mylee.
Adriel has completed her first full year as a RN. Listening to her stories, I marvel at what my daughter does. She cares for others with competence , efficiency and kindness. Her job isn’t always pleasant, but it offers her many opportunities to rise above, to deepen compassion in the presence of those who suffer, to see both the best and the worst in people and continue to do her best.
Recently she accepted a new position in the nursing field that allows her to be off work evenings, weekends and holidays. This is important to Adriel. It means she gets to spend more time with her sweetheart Nate. Next month, they will marry. I will be there to celebrate this step in their continuing adventure together.
Journey on, beautiful girl, and journey well. Let your curiosity continue to lead you, and may compassion, truth and grace ever be your companions. I am grateful to be your mom.
Happiest of birthdays, Adriel. I love you!
