Thanksgiving

I am so thankful for my family.  I come from a HUGE extended family and I can count on everyone of them to be there for me.

Both of my parents have lots of brothers and sisters so I am blessed with wonderful Aunts and Uncles and many many many cousins. 

I remember as a kid going to my  Grandma's (on my Mom's side) and running around with all the kids.  Looking back I imagine it was a tad loud at times.  I wouldn't trade a moment.  I miss Grandma Julia and Grandpa Henry.  In some ways I think they had a hand in who God chose as my children.  Elizabeth has a memory just as gifted as Grandma Julia and when its time to go home, Ella is just like Grandpa Henry.  I can still remember Grandpa saying  "Julia, its time to go"  

I remember sitting in my kitchen years after Grandpa Henry passed away and it was just me and Grandma Julia playing cards.  I told her about Elizabeth and wanting to be a Mom.  We didn't know who Elizabeth was yet but Grandma got very excited and was so happy for me.  You see, she had a dream just a few nights before that about me being a Mom.   This continues to amaze me.  I miss you Grandma and wish you could have met Ella.  And I am so very thankful you got to meet Elizabeth before you joined my Mom and Grandpa. 

I am thankful for my Dad and the love he has shown me as well as our entire family.  Dad is having more rough days than before so its a bittersweet Holiday season for me.  But, the other day I was visiting with him and he still had a joke and smiling eyes.  I am thank for for my Dad's sense of humor and commitment to his family.  He is the reason I am who I am.  Thanks Dad!

Thank you Elizabeth and Ella for being my girls.  I know its not always easy but you are worth every bit of lost sleep and I want you to know I never knew my heart could be so big.  Adopting you both was the Best Decision I ever had.  I took a long time deciding if I could be a single mom and then I took a long time deciding if I could really be a mom to two girls.  I am very thankful for the desire to see that through.  I really can't imagine what my life would be without you both. 

Thank you for letting me be your Mom and thank you for being the EXACT daughters I needed.