A quarter of a century ago, I awoke to familiar pains in my abdomen. I was about to give birth to my second child!
She greeted this world with a head full of beautiful dark brown hair. But she greeted my heart with a beautiful spirit. (Which got us through that first half year of colic!) We named her Brittany Cole.
Her first birthday brought with it her wonderful sense of humor, accompanied by a gentle and laid back attitude. The embodiment of peacefulness. By nature, she had a heart for those who were mentally and physically challenged. Throughout her elementary and secondary school years, she was drawn to those who in one way or another struggled. Her own quiet little ministry with no fanfare and little acknowledgement. The kind that makes a mama’s heart almost burst with sweet joy.
In high school she was able to work in the preschool on campus and had her first opportunity to work with an autistic child. She fell in love. God was preparing her for where her heart was calling her…
And then, before it even seemed possible, she was off to college. As I cried all the way home from dropping her off, I knew that a whole new chapter of life awaited her. My nest would be emptier, but my heart would be full because she would discover so many things in her new adventure. And she did.
Brittany’s faith became truly her own that first year away from home. She developed a love for scripture that was so inspiring. Nearly every day, she would send me a verse of encouragement – a verse that excited her that she wanted to share. And almost every time it was exactly what I needed to hear at that very moment. She was impassioned by God’s Word and she passed it on.
She had headed to college with the goal of a nursing degree. But as so often happens, that plan changed and she decided she wanted to be a teacher. Her student teaching experience was wonderful as she got to work alongside teachers who had tread this path before her. Once again, she worked with disadvantaged and struggling children and found great fulfillment in each day she spent with them.
Days after graduating, she married the love of her life, Brendan. A man who loved every silly, impassioned, precious part of her. She had found her soul mate. A man who would share her crazy sense of humor, her love for working with teens in young life and a man who loved the God she adored.
Her first teaching job would take her to a very rough part of Phoenix. She would be placed in a class of third graders who came from very difficult family circumstances. Kids with little or no family support. Kids that were being “pushed” through the system despite learning almost nothing. Kids who in almost every way were disadvantaged.
The first few months she cried. A lot. She felt overwhelmed by the task before her. She had no administrative support. She was truly on her own.
Except she wasn’t. God had given her a wonderful husband to be by her side. And God Himself began to give her ideas to reach these “unreachable” children. Going to their games, getting to know their parents and grandparents, feeding those who had no food at home. Creative hands on projects that made learning come alive. Seeing past their acting out and dealing with was lying beneath the surface with determined and firm love. These kids loved Mrs. McCay. She was, quite possibly, the first person that had ever shown them what Jesus type love looked like. She had made a forever impact on those precious lives.
This past year brought Brittany and Brendan to California. A new adventure for this adventurous couple. While getting her California certification for teaching, Brittany is now a nanny for two small children. One has physical setbacks. The other is autistic. Once again, Britt is right where God wants her for this season. Touching lives. Impacting lives. Loving like Jesus.
Britt, I am crying as I write this. A reminder of God’s hand on your life for the past 25 years. Preparation for each place He has brought you to. His intimate crafting of your personality and character that has made you the exact person that needed to be in those places. I could not be more proud of you. I love your heart. Your sense of humor. Your love for God and people. You are an amazing wife, nanny, woman, sister and daughter. And I am thankful and thrilled beyond measure that you are also my amazing friend. I love your wisdom and insight and perspective. I love who God made you to be and who He’s grown you to be today. Incredible. And it’s only the beginning, baby…:-)
Happy birthday, my precious girl! I love you to the moon and back…
Mama
