7 years ago today, my son John Michael Jesse Garcia, was born.  That was one of the best days of my lives.  We waited six years for this little guy and here he was.  Perfect.  When they laid him in my arms, I fell hard for him.  He melted my heart.  But I admit, I thought he was broken.  I did.  My girls were SO good, slept through the nights early on and I had no real problem with them sleeping.  Johnny, yea, he was different.  The first day was the longest day ever!  He did not want to sleep, cried, and only wanted to be held.  My husband and I were exhausted!!  7 years later, yea not much has changed.  LOL - he is ALLLL boy that's for sure.  Course, being around 3 sisters, a mommy and grandma, he's a bit sensitive, but he is so very active and always presenting me with one challenge after another.  But he is my joy and I love that the Lord blessed me with this little man.  I was watching the boy throughout the day and was just amazed at how precious life is.  I remembered him so small in my arms and now see that little baby running around.  I reflected on how easy it is for us to take it for granted.  I then thought of my Dad.  He went home to the Lord 21 years ago, but it still hurts.  I miss him.  I miss his sense of humor, his love, his guidance, support - everything, even me fighting with him!  I ache because I wish he could be here with my kids, so they can know him.  He was gone at 47 years old.  SO young - I thought he was Superman and would live on this earth forever.  But he didnt.  Then, I saw my Dad - staring back at me in the mirror - in my sister, in the boys....I felt him there with us, and tend to always do when we're all together, and can see that he lives on in us - my children fighting with me, their infectious laughs, sense of humor and storytelling ways!  Even down to the looks, you can see that Chavez in them.  You know, the same can be said of our Heavenly Father.  I want to see Him when I look in the mirror; when we laugh, when we tell stories, to have Him around us.  To feel His presence and know that He will always be there with us....that brings me joy.