My Birth Daughter's Annual Christmas Letter

Dear McKenna:

It's time again for your annual Christmas letter.

I just got back from seeing Jim Carrey's version of "A Christmas Carol." It made me reflect on life and being grateful for what I have, one of which is, of course, you. Seeing Christmas movies is one of many fond memories I have of childhood and adulthood.

Driving around today I was thinking about you and wondering what you were doing, how your day was, what you were creating in school, picturing your smiling face and looking forward so much to seeing you next week.

I can't believe next year you'll be "in the double digits" - turning ten.

I wrote a story last night about The Rockettes and thought about the fact that you were going to see them for the first time this weekend with Vicki. I imagine your eyes lighting up as you see them perform. When I was little I wanted to be a Rockette. I thought they were so glamorous. I wonder if you may think the same when you see how incredibly they perform.

The magic of the season is upon us and as I drive around listening to Christmas CDs, one of my traditions. I think about all the Christmases you've celebrated with your family and about all the happiness you've experienced in your young years. I sound so old!

The topic of adoption got brought up at a ladies potluck I went to the other day. I sometimes attend it. It's held monthly. There's still so much people have to learn about adoption. When I see other kids who have major problems like terminal illnesses, for example, I am so thankful that you are healthy. And strong.

I am so grateful for you.

I don't think my Thanksgiving letter to you was really up to par, so I'm really hoping this one will be.

I have a new Christmas tree up that I didn't have last year and it's decorated with some of the decorations the past few years that Vicki has given me, some of which you and Bryant have made. They are fond reminders of the life that you enjoy and looking at them, my heart can smile. My cat fell in the tree twice the other day, landed on her feet, then just got up and started playing with the ornaments as usual like it didn't faze her one bit! She's a fat cat but the branches didn't break.

Around this time of year when my dog gets groomed, they always put a holiday themed bandanna on him, one with candy canes, toys, or Christmas trees. He looks soooooo cute!

He's 13 now and I've had him 12 years. He is a real joy and has been all these years.

You know one thing that's really different about how Christmas is now compared to the 70s when I grew up? When I was a kid the TV specials like "Charlie Brown's Christmas" and "Rudolph" would only come on one time during December then you had to wait a whole year to see them again. Now, of course, the stations will re-run the shows several times during the month and you can rent them, too.

However, one thing that has not changed is the magic of the season and how many miracles seem to happen often even more this time of year. Miracles happen all the time but for some reason when they happen around Christmas, some of us seem to pay more attention.

You are one such miracle and I love you very much.

I hope you have a fantabulous Christmas and that your little heart dances with joy.

Love, Terri