My heart always knew that there would be three.

Every year, in late July, I am reminded of just how closely spaced they were.

They were little and my arms were full.

They grew and didn’t always need me in the same way, but I was always there, waiting if needed.

There were times that I happily was used as the ‘reason’ when they didn’t want to say ‘I just don’t want to’.

But time passed and they have grown into amazing adults who have lives of their own.

My heart just wasn’t necessarily prepared for what it was never ready for.

…nothing can prepare you for the lasts.

And those lasts?

They arrive with no warning and either shatter you in the moment or dawn on you with melancholy when you realize what was is no longer happening.

But you look at them and realize that they are amazing because of who they are and not necessarily because of what you did.

You thank God above for being given the opportunity to have been blessed with these particular souls.

To have been able to experience those lasts with them.

To my three…I love you with all that I am. You will always be the newborns that I held in my arms and imprinted on my soul…and love with all of my heart.