Nothing else had happened, really. We were all busy living our lives and caring for Layla. It was a delight watching her grow. She was a beautiful child.

Mama’s family worshipped her and treated her like one of their own.

It was on the night of her third birthday party that we were once again witness to why she was here. Her next miracle came at Layla’s birthday gathering.

Mama had gathered her entire family for the celebration.

There was a large crowd at Layla’s birthday party—at least 80 people were there. We were in the community hall at the church where Mama held all her gatherings and it was about time to sing Happy Birthday to Layla. There was a huge cake on a card table that several women had baked. It was put together in sections and was flat and almost as long as the table.

It was chocolate cake, of course, Layla’s favorite.

There were musicians on the stage and everyone was anticipating the announcement for the candles to be lit. There was an excitement in the room and it reminded me of the kind of buzz-like sound the happy bees make when they are working the honeysuckle in our backyard.