A Note of Thanks

As Thanksgiving approaches, more than ever before, I have been acutely aware of this virtue of gratitude. There is so much that I have to be thankful for.  It is true, a child changes everything. Maybe this is why I have been more contemplative.  Maybe it is because our one year anniversary of becoming a family is quickly approaching.  Whatever the reason, my heart swells in appreciation for the abundance of gifts and blessings that I have been given.

It all starts with God, because without Him, my life as I know it would not be possible.  All the praise and glory goes to Him.

The Summer Palace in China...almost one year ago.

Then there are my two main squeezes....

No explanation needed here. They are my greatest blessings.  I love you Brian and Lucy.

Of course to all my family and friends, too many to mention (which in and of itself is a blessing), thank you for all you bring to my life.  You support me, enrich me, sustain me, challenge me, love me... I am filled with gratitude, and forever better because of you all.

I am thankful that this past week we had our final post placement home study. After five years of social workers coming to our house to be sure we have running water (yep!), a posted fire escape plan (believe it!) and (more to the point) that we will be/are sufficient parents, we are done! Alleluia!

There are so many other gifts that I have been given, so many other things that I have to be grateful for. But family, friends, relationships...these are my greatest blessings and the most important.   So I will stop here.  May each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by those you love.