Our Only Blue-Eyed Princess

Linny Saunders120 Comments
It is early morning in Colorado….
September 20th…
One of our most favorite days of the whole year…
The day we got a phone call from 
Aunt Beulah already 22 years ago
Aunt Beulah called to tell us,
Mary, her neighbor, had had her baby….
It was a girl.
I had secretly longed for a girl…
my heart was overjoyed!
September 20th, 1989 happened to be the first day of Autumn….
And the name we had years before picked out for this precious bundle, if indeed Mary had a girl?
Autumn Elizabeth
We felt it was an extra special gift from the Lord that it was also the first day of Autumn that year.
I remember the local newspaper near where my in-laws lived had the headline:
Autumn Arrives!
Yes, indeed. 
Autumn had arrived
and
OUR Autumn had arrived! 
After years of waiting faithful God had brought us another treasure.
My heart was overjoyed.
I was a baby wearer long before baby wearing was “the thing”….
And I would walk around with Autumn on my chest singing to her:
“You’re just too good to be true, can’t take my eyes off of you,
oh Autumny, I really love you….oh yes, I do….
Here it is 22 years later
and we couldn’t be more proud of our precious girl.  
Autumn works long hours as a supervisor for the airlines.
She starts her shift at 4:30am.
Works for 6 hours.
Comes home for a few hours and then goes back for 
between 4 and 8 more.
She is diligent, persevering.
Fiercely loyal.
Probably the most forgiving person I have ever met.
In spite of many difficult circumstances in her young life, her attitude has been stellar.  
She loves.
Period.
And since Karl’s accident?
She has not left his side, except to go to work.
Daddy and I couldn’t be more proud of you precious blue eyes!
{Twelve kids and only one blue-eyed of the bunch – Miss Autumny!}
And today, being far away from this treasure girl of 
ours on her birthday is hard.
We make such day long celebrations on birthdays – sooooo-not-fun to be on the other side of the world and unable to celebrate with you Autumny!
I have prayed all day that it would be a great day for Karl and you.
That you would be reminded of just how much the
 Lord delights in you.  
That you would have a quiet confidence that
 faithful God has your back.
So on this day of that we celebrate YOU – our daughter!
****
Would you be willing, sweet friends, to leave a comment wishing her a happy birthday and encouraging her heart?
{You guys are the best at that!}
I know it would be huge for her.
And it would be comforting to me.
And from the other side of the world:
I love you Autumny – most!
It’s not even close.
Yes, huh.
Not.even.kidding.
PS
Two flights down.  One to go.
On a long layover, Emma and I decided to do a little sightseeing.
Extra special privilege.
And found a free wifi to boot!
Yippee Jesus!! 
Love you Whitey and kids!! xo

120 thoughts on “Our Only Blue-Eyed Princess”

  2. Happy Birthday Autumn!! As I read about you I am always amazed at what a strong young woman you are. I know God has special plans for your life. I hope your day is great !!!
    Melissa in KY

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  7. Happy Birthday Autumn, wishing you a wonderful day with Karl and knowledge that you are loved by the most high and by a pretty awesome family who allows us the privilege of celebrating with you. Happy B-Day!

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  9. Happy Birthday Autumn, praying you have a very blessed day from Kentucky.
    God Bless you,
    Jackie another mom of many precious treasures both homegrown and treasures gifted to me from afar!

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  17. Birthday blessings from Oklahoma, Autumn! I'm praying you will have a wonderful day and that God will be your constant companion on this special day. Praying for you and Karl daily…..

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  20. Happy Birthday, Autumn (from Durango – home!)… Have learned so much about what it means to be faithful from you. Thank you for living your life in a way that this old married lady can learn to love more like Jesus.

    Linny: praying for you and Emma as you continue to journey to Kampala. Wish I could be there to help you with your bags, but alas not this time. But I will definitely be with you in spirit, praying Exodus 23:20 over you.

    Michelle Fowler

    Reply

  23. Happy Birthday Autumn!! When your mom said that you were only 22, I was shocked. You show such maturity in all that you are going through. What a blessing you are to your family and to Karl and his family. I pray that this coming year becomes the best year of your life, in every way!! May God's blessings rest upon you and everyone you touch. You are a beautiful woman, and every time I see a picture of you,your smile is a beautiful light. Jesus shines in you. Cling desperately to Him. He will provide for all your needs. He loves to answer prayers, especially the big ones. He knows your heart and He always longs to comfort and love on you. It is evident that you are allowing Him to do that, because we see it flowing to Karl and his family. As God's children, we can't help but pour out when we allow Him to pour in. You are a treasure of Highest value to our King…and I'm sure your family would say the same thing.

    Love and prayers,
    jenn H

    Reply

  27. Autumn, before I even knew it was your birthday today I had prayed for you and Karl early this a.m., before my sweet kiddos woke. I know God put you there today for a reason. Happy Birthday! May today be extra blessed for you!

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  30. Hey "Autumny,"

    HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY YEAR EVER GIRL!!!
    Get hugs from the whole family from me – your Aunt Lisa, the partner in matchmaking!

    Tell my nephew I liked like to see his smiling face!

    Be blessed!

    Hi Linny! Traveling mercies to you and Emma. Praying for your treasured gems in Uganda. Huge hugs and lotsa love from Kenya!

    Reply

  33. Happy Birthday Autumn, sending cead mile beannachtai from Ireland for your birthday, along with many prayers for Karl's recovery. Looking forward to seeing photos of you both this time next year all dolled up for a night on the town. Then we can all really celebrate with you xx Susan

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  37. Sweet Autumn,
    Happy Birthday….Enjoy your day in the Lord..You are such a special young woman….May God shine down on you and enfold you in His Love…
    and, I have been praying for your special love, Karl…May God richly Bless you both, for you are His treasures.
    Love from Sandy in NC

    Reply

  40. Happy birthday, Autumn! Hope your day is EXTRA special, even with Mom and Emma so far away.

    Let's hope and pray that this coming year will be an extra wonderful one, with Karl and with your health as well!

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  42. Happy, happy birthday, Autumn! I only "know" you & your family through your mom's blog—which describes your sweet spirit and the promises of many wonderful days to come. You are so blessed. Happy Birthday!

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  46. Happy Birthday Autumn Elizabeth! I pray your day is extra special in every way! Your dedication and care of Karl is remarkable, especially in todays society! May God bless you 100 fold for all you have done for him and others!

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  50. What a beautiful tribute that was to you Autumn from such a proud and beaming mom! I have been praying for you since Karl's accident imagining just how difficult these weeks have been for you. What a 22 years you've had! I'm sorry that you've had so many hard things to deal with at such a young age, but hearing from your mom how you've handled things has been such an inspiration. I wish you the most special of birthdays Autumn!

    Reply

  51. Happy Birthday, Autumn from South Carolina! Hope your day and year is blessed.

    I ache for all the hard things you have journeyed through. I pray that through it all you can find peace in the truth of Jesus.

    I pray God will gird you up with his strength and protection and provision.
    ((Hugs)) In His Love, Lori

    Reply

  56. Happiest of Birthdays, dear Autumn! It is obvious that the Lord has indeed, blessed you inside and out. Know that all who read here, whether we comment or not, are praying for you, Karl and both of your families and hold you both in our hearts.

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  57. Happy Birthday Autumn! I'm still praying for Karl and you every day!!

    "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is in work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen" – Ephesians 3:20

    God bless you this year 🙂

    Reply

  60. Hey there Autumn! I could never forget you bday, it's the day after mine! And I have one pretty special blue eyed baby among a sea of brown too!!

    Many blessings to you today and all year long!! God bless you Sweetie!

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  63. Happy Birthday to you, Autumn! I hope you have a fabulous day! We are still praying for Karl and you and his family and for complete recovery! He with out a doubt a special young man it seems! Sending love and hugs from Indiana!!!

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  64. Happy Birthday Autumn! I hope this coming year is filled with many blessings for you. You are a beautiful young woman both inside and out. I hope my daughter will grow up to love the way that you do – with your whole heart!

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  68. Dear Autumn ~ What a Blessing YOU are, Blue-Eyed Girl! I hold a special place in my heart for you! I have Prayed and cried many a tear for your tender heart. Even questioned "Why?" you have had so much pain in your young life. But, I KNOW that He has Great and Mighty plans for your life!
    Happy, Happy Birthday, Autumn! You are SO loved!

    Reply

  70. Happy Birthday Autumn! May the Lord rain blessings on you today and in the year ahead! I love reading how proud your mama is of you– and I know the Lord is smiling on this, YOUR special day!

    Blessings from San Antonio, Texas~

    Tina

    Reply

  73. Happy Birthday Autumn! You have been through more in your 22 years than some will experience in a lifetime. You are an amazing example of strength and God's love to others. God has amazing things planned for your life!!! Happy Birthday we are still praying for Karl and for you!

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  74. Happy Birthday, sweet Autumn! Hope it is a great day! So very proud of your loving faithfulness to Karl. You are mature beyond your years.
    A friend in GA

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  75. Happy Birthday Autumn! I have been praying for Karl, and also for you. I can only imagine how hard all of this has been and you are such an example of Christ's love in all that I read about you. Enjoy this special day!!!

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  76. Happy Birthday from Pennsylvania, Autumn! I've been reading your mom's blog for a long time, and am usually a lurker, but I had to change that so that I could wish you a happy birthday. I also wanted to tell you that you have the most amazing smile. 🙂 Praying for an amazing, blessed year for you…

    Reply

  80. Happy Birthday Autumn!!! Me and you happen to be only 2 days apart! I just celebrated my own 22nd bday this past sunday!! Hope you have a wonderful day and am praying for you and Karl!! Blessings girl!!

    Reply

  81. Autumn, Happy Birthday. The love your mother has for you is so contagious! I am praying that you have a wonderful day with lots of laughter and love! And some complete healing mixed in there too!
    Hugs, from this blessed adopted Mama of 6!

    Reply

  84. Happiest of birthdays to you, Autumn! I hope you're having a wonderful day with Karl!

    I'm praying for both of you often and trusting that God will use this season to do wonderful things in both of your lives. Our God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine!! (Eph 3:20)

    Reply

  88. I have come out of lurkdom to wish you a happy birthday. My nephew suffered a TBI when he was 13. He wasn't expected to live and if he did he was supposed to be a vegetable. He graduated this past year with his masters in engineering from a prestigious school. Anything is possible with God. So I lift up your Karl today on your birthday as I'm sure if you could have him as whole and healthy as possible that would be your hearts desire for your birthday wish. I have prayed for him and will continue to do so. Happy Birthday!

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  89. Happy Birthday Autumn. May God continue to lead and guide you in your life and may you always feel His arms of comfort and peace surrounding you in all of life's circumstances. Many blessings to you!

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  90. Happy Birthday Autumn. I pray today you feel the love of the Father and this whole community that loves you and Karl. You are so precious and I pray blessings and favor upon your life. May His peace and joy cover you and I pray an amazing day with Karl and your amazing family. Love Lori and kids from Florida.

    Reply

  91. Happy, happy birfday, Autumn! Your faithful loving heart is so pleasing to our Father… and a blessing to the rest of us as well. Praying God gives you supernatural strength and joy as you walk these long days with your sweet Karl. May He lift you both on eagles' wings!

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  92. Happy birthday, Autumn! Praying that you can keep finding joy and strength in the midst of a hard road, with faith that God will use this time in big ways in so many lives.

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  94. Happy Birthday Autumn, have a wonderful day. It is a great day to have a birthday. Reading about how you are a wonderful, loving girl, I feel honored to share this special day with you. It is my birthday also. Be blessed.

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  95. Happy Birthday Autumn! Your mom's word's make us feel like we know you! What an amazing young woman you are. May this special day be a blessing to you as you are to others!
    elaine

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  96. Happy birthday, Autumn! I have been praying for you often since July – for peace and for strength. Tonight I pray you are sheltered by The Rock and feel His love in tangible ways.

    – Jennifer in PA

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  97. Happy Birthday Autumn! Hope all is well with you as you work and love on Karl. I think of you and Karl often and am reminded to pray. I hope that you got a sweet blessing on your birthday of being with Karl. If not, then soon. Happiest of birthdays to you!

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  98. Happy Birthday Autumn. It's a colorful season and as you continue to to grow in the Lord, may He bless you alot with many reasons to be happy even with your dear Karl recuperating and find some good reasons to smile each day. Remember that God will never leave nor forsake you. Hugs and blessings!

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  100. Happy Birthday, Autumn, I think I am the 100th comment in here 🙂 May the Lord bless you on your special day and envelop you with His love, and may Karl be fully restored to his health, mentally, emotionally and physically. Amen! 🙂

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  101. Happy, happy, happy birthday Autumn!! You are an amazing woman! I hope you know that your family really does love you:) God has done and will keep doing great thing through you!

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  105. Happy Birthday to you,
    Happy Birthday to you!
    Happy Birthday dear lovely Autumn…….
    Haaaaaaaappppppppyyyyyy Biiiiiiirthdaaaaaaayyyyyy
    to
    yooooooooouuuuuuuuu!!!!!!!!!
    (tried to sing very loud, but you´re living to far ;o)

    I know I´m alittle crazy.(my kids always saying????)
    May God bless you. Not only on this special day, even your whole live.
    With much love from Germany

    Babsi

    Reply

  109. Happy Birthday Autumn! What JOY you bring your family–especially your mamma! . As a mom who longs for a daughter someday I LOVE your story to your family and especially your name–and your story that continues to unfold. Be strong, rejoice in this day … and the many to come. God is with you through these difficult days of ups and downs and ups! And also in the good days that are to come that are only UPS.
    Happy Birthday dear girl!
    Hugs from Iowa,
    Valerie

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  110. Happy Belated Birthday Autumn! Praying God's best for you!

    I hope you don't mind but there's a healing class that I've just completed and I thought of you and Karl. This link might be helpful to you as you pray for your Karl and navigate your way in this season!

    Joan Hunter does an awesome teaching on how to pray for someone who has suffered trauma of any kind and people have been set free miraculously by our Lord Jesus. Everyone involved has encountered trauma from what's happened to Karl…because of how you so deeply love him. This would be good for you too.

    There are five parts to this particular teaching and you can find them all at http://www.xpmedia.com under "hunter". Here's the first of the five parts.

    Reply

  114. Autumn – Happy Belated Birthday to you. I hope your special day was a fun one – and many-many more. You and Karl are in my prayers every single day. Sending you big ((HUGS)). Lynne in Missouri

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  116. Dear Autumn,
    Happy day-late Birthday, girlie!! You are such a treasure to the Father who fashioned you by His own hands, has made no mistake in His plans for you and who longs to love on you daily. May you KNOW his peace and his plans for your life. May you walk daily in the knowledge and confidence that you are a daughter of the King.
    In Christ's Love,
    Maureen

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  117. Autumn, Happy Belated Birthday! I know you have been through a lot and I know God has great plans for your life. The Lord brought a wonderful man into your life and you have stood by him faithfully. I know you will be able to look back at this season and see God's hand on it all and how He is preparing you for even greater things. "The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives"! (Psalm 37:23 NLT)

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  119. Hey Autumn, I'm a little late, but wanted to wish you a very happy birthday! I continue to pray for you and Karl until he is completely healed! It's a long road, but God be glorified! I've seen it so clearing in our lives.

    Sending you BIG hugs,
    Amy P

    Reply

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