Friday, December 16, 2011

For Jillian...a love letter...

To my sweet Ying Ying Jillian (as you now call yourself),

You have been with our family for just over one month (one month and two days to be exact...because you are a girl who likes things just so...). I can scarcely believe where we've all been and what we've done over those four short weeks...and yet, here we are, safe at home, Christmas tree twinkling in the corner...and life continuing in it's normalcy all around us. It throws me for a loop every now and then as I contemplate you...and the miracle you are.

When you took your sister's hand and walked out of the Civil Affairs Office...so brave and so trusting of us, I knew you were special. I knew the prayers of many many friends and family...and indeed our own daily prayers for many months had been answered. I did not doubt that the hard times would come...the sadness...the confusion...the anger...the grief...but I saw in you, in those first few moments, the determination and the strength that is sure to see you through the inevitable hardships that come our way in life from time to time.

In the months we were waiting for China to tell us it was okay to come and get you, Mommy talked a lot with many other Mommies. In one e-mail...a very special Mommy told me that you would "wow" me every day. I believed her. And she was right.

Ying Ying Jillian...you are a miracle. A gift. I am so overwhelmed to call you daughter. I am so thankful for the days we've shared...and can't wait to see what the next 30 days...and years will bring.

You do, indeed, "wow" me. Every. Single. Day.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

A beautiful letter. Jillian is truly lucky to call you mom. She has the best teacher for life.

my3 kids said...

What a beautiful letter to your daughter...she is the perfect fit into your beautiful family. May you all make memories to last a lifetime.

Anonymous said...

Happy 1 Month and 2 Days! She is perfect! And your letter to her is beautiful! My miracle, Jillian, is celebrating her 6th birthday this Sunday....how did that happen??
~the other Kate

Mireille said...

Such beautiful words for such beautiful little girl!!

Michelle R Photography said...

What a beautiful letter, Kate!! And what a beautiful, special little girl!!!

Courtney said...

Beautiful letter. So glad to hear your guys are adjusting well. I love the last picture, she is so precious.

MD said...

There is no better love than that of a mother and Jillian is so blessed to have a mama like you as you are to have a second beautiful and amazing daughter like her. A perfect match!

Kim and Dennis said...

I see that I have been missing out by just following you on fb. Makes me so happy to see how well things are going for your beautiful family! Merry Christmas!

Jen said...

Your daughter is beautiful! I stumbled across your blog and was very touched. We should be traveling in 8 weeks or so to pick up our little daughter from China and her arm is very similar to Jillian's. Congratulations on your sweet daughter.

Tera said...

Thanks for the sweet comment on my blog. I loved following your journey in china! Both of your daughters are gorgeous!!

Football and Fried Rice said...

Oh my gosh - I can see why your Jillian wows you - what a beautiful little girl whose heart is filling more everyday! Thank God for miracles!!