Letter to My Daughter

This year your adoptive mom gave me an amazing gift, something I’ve always wanted for Christmas and that is – to
see you at Christmastime.

She didn’t know that’s what I always wanted or that that is the only thing I have wanted every year so when she surprised me with an extra visit this year it made my holiday.

I got to see your incredible spirit in action once again. I see how happy you are, you with your Santa shirt, bopping around, asking “What are your favorite colors?,” drawing, playing, laughing, smiling.

It’s something that pictures don’t do justice for.

One day you’ll understand what I mean.

I hope you have a great Christmas and that your heart is full of laughter and hope.

When I see other kids less fortunte than you I know how lucky I am and I thank God from the depths of my soul that you are so taken care of.

This year has brought many good things for you again- more adventures in school, the love of a family, new and old friends, and learning new lessons.

I look at old photos of you as a baby and I can’t believe that I am sitting across from a child now, a little girl in the flesh.

I recently got a picture of a little girl who was born a month before you. She is the daughter of one of the birth moms, Cari, who I was at Gladney with. She looks just like her and has her personality. It’s something to see.

I think about all the other birth moms I was at Gladney with and wonder about all their kids who are now your age, too. At one point when I was living at Gladney one of the birth moms suggested us birth moms have a reunion five years from the year you were born to see how everyone’s doing.

It’s something to realize those birth moms and I all have five-year-olds running around.

To imagine a baby growing inside your belly then to look back at two adorable brown eyes looking back at you with innocence and love and sparkle is a wondrous thing. It captures the beauty that is the holiday season, the miracles in every day life.

I love you and only want the best for you.

I wish you peace and happiness and all the fun your heart can hold.
Love,
Terri