You Can Stand Under My Umbrella...

April 18th. Nineteen years and a few days ago. Amidst one of the worst Idaho blizzards ever, a tiny little bundle with a ginormous set of lungs made her way into our hearts. Her arrival was a bit of a blizzard as well. She was two weeks early and clearly not quite ready to make an entrance into the world. Based on her temperment, which was displayed often and always, Phillip suggested we name her "Stormy" or "Rainy April". I denied both requests. The first time Whitney laid eyes on her new sister, screaming in the nursery, she asked, "Can we take her home now?" A few days later when we brought the still-screaming Cassidy home, Whitney looked me right in the eyes and said, "Can we send her back now?" It took several weeks for Cassidy to adjust to life on Planet Earth. I soon discovered the true meaning of the word C.O.L.I.C. We took turns pacing the floor with her for hours at a time. Phillip would rock her and sing "My Girl" hoping it would calm her down. It didn't. Lack of sleep can drive a family to desperation and he suggested we give her whiskey to knock her out. Again, I denied his request. And then wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles, the day arrived for her to be given a name and a blessing through the power of the priesthood. Heavenly Father always knows what we need. As Phillip held our beautiful little Cassidy Morgan in his arms she was surrounded by grandpas and uncles and friends who all loved her and wanted the best for her. Phillips' words were guided by the spirit. Peace and comfort came into my heart and I KNEW that this little girl would never give me another day's worth of trouble. And that has been true for nineteen years and a few days. She still has a set of lungs. But now she uses them in much more productive ways, like yelling for favorite Olympians, singing in productions, or shouting "BOYFRIEND" across the apartment complex parking lot. She is never stormy. She has passion, but is able to get her thoughts across in a strong and gentle manner, making great impact in the process. She is still surrounded by an amazing Circle of Friends: parents and grandparents, a sister and a brother, aunts and uncles, neighbors and new acquaintances, a few special 'besties', and even a few 'future potential soulmates.' They all love her and want only the best for her. And knowing Cassidy, our perpetual dreamer, a girl who weathers the storms and comes out smiling on the other side, only the best of the best is in store for her. So here's my birthday wish to the lovely Miss Cassidy, courtesy of the lovely Rhianna:

"When the sun shines, we shine together.

Told you I'll be here forever.

That I'll always be your friend.

Even if it's raining more than ever,

Know that we still have each other.
You can stand under my umbrella...
ella...ella..eh...eh"