My Birth Daughter's Annual Thanksgiving Letter

Dear McKenna:

And here we are again with your annual Thanksgiving letter.

My heart is happy that you are happy and so very blessed.

My sister Cindy always has your birthday on her calendar and always is interested in what is going on in your life.

She can't believe you're nine now. When I was visiting her in the spring for my birthday and I got emailed the pictures from you modeling at the Gladney Blossoms fundraiser, Cindy just loved your photos.

In one corner of my living room is what I call my "McKenna corner" of pictures of all of our visits together.

They say that the years fly by when you have a child, that their milestones become steppingstones to adulthood before you can blink. I have found that is coming true. Hard to believe that in four years you'll be a teenager. Even writing that just now seems like I should be talking about that several years from now.

Vicki says it's neat to imagine what you'll be like then and I agree.

Sometimes I try to picture it.

Your life is a wonderland of possibilities and choices, dreams, curiosities, and learning new things.

When I got to see you cheerlead for the first time in February this year, it was such a gift to my day, one I will always remember. You were so cute running around with your pom-poms, then playing with your fellow cheerleaders during breaks.

You've been such an angel in my life. I've had a lot of angels in my life but you are very close to my heart.

My sister Debbie says that our children and grandchildren are such a wonderful gift of God. She told me to remember that always, and I will.

My old college friend Angela recently wrote me that you just get more adorable.

I entered a contest the other day and the category was "What are you thankful for?" You, of course!

And in August I submitted an essay about adoption for the topic: "When I knew I had grown up." Placing you for adoption was the first unselfish decision of my life.

I have the plaque you made me on my dining room table and I took a picture of it so I could show it to all my friends and family.

In July when I got invited to your house for the first time, it was a hope realized. I still can't believe I got invited and it was such a good feeling to be hanging out with you at your home.

Vicki told me you want to be a teacher and a mom. If you do wind up becoming a teacher, you will be following in the footsteps of some relatives of mine.

There has been so much joy in your life and you, in turn, are a great joy to others.

I love you very much and hope you have a special Thanksgiving.

Love, Terri