When Elyssa was born in July of 2005, Mark took up the role immediately of being a great dad. He loved to hold and take care of Elyssa just as much as I did (except those middle of the night feedings!!). Eventually, Mark came up with a little song that he just made up one day while probably changing her diaper. The words are as follows:
Daddy loves Elyssa
Daddy loves Elyssa
Daddy loves Elyssa
Loves her very much
As Elyssa grew and started speaking, Mark would sing the song to her and have her fill in the word “much” at the end of the song. This became a cute little ritual between the two of them and Elyssa loved to be loud when it was her turn to say “much.” For those of you who know her personally, you know she has a flair for the dramatic side!
Mark would sing the song to Elyssa and then he would also sing the song inserting “momma” instead of “Elyssa.” Elyssa came to expect this so when Mark would ask, “Who else do we sing this song to?”, Elyssa would say “momma.”
When Natalie came along in January of 2007, Mark started singing the song to her. He would still sing the song to Elyssa and then he would ask her at the end of the song, “Who’s next?” Elyssa would make sure he inserted Natalie’s name and then my name. This list grew to include MeeMaw, Paw Paw, Grandmother, Granddaddy and other family members and friends.
A very touching moment for me, that I happened to catch in the form of a photo (which is attached for you to see), was Mark singing this song to Victoria while we were in the hospital. As he held Victoria in front of him, he started singing …
Daddy loves Victoria
Daddy loves Victoria
By the next stanza, his singing had turned to a whisper …
Daddy loves Victoria
Loves her very much
By the end of the song, he and I were both crying. It was a very special moment and I’m so glad I have a picture to remind me of that moment.
I think now about how our Father sings over us. I can imagine His beautiful song to me:
Abba loves Heather
Abba loves Heather
Abba loves Heather
Loves her very much
“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”