Coming up on 5 years

I know I don't post a lot but for those of you that are reading thank you! I can't believe we are coming up on 5 years. Ella who is now 10 has brightened my life so much it brings happy tears to my eyes. I just can't even fathom life without her. She is everything and so much more that I dreamed of in a daughter. She has such a love for life and a love for those around her. She continues to have this contagious quality where people are drawn to her. She has the ability to reach in and grab hold of your heart.
Christmas time has always been my favorite holiday and even more so now with Ella's excitement for everything Christmas. I have shared before about a question I often get...."Why did you adopt?" I felt the calling to be the mom to a little girl that was born in my heart. Growing up, I was the middle child and often struggled for attention from my mom. I always craved that mother-daughter relationship. I remember always being envious of my friends that had a close relationship with their mom. My mom died almost 10 years ago and I hadn't seen her for 7 years prior. Even though we had been somewhat "estranged" at the time of her death, I took it extremely hard. Harder then I could have imagined. That dream I always had of that relationship died too.
Luckily, I married a man that understood my NEED to have this relationship. Ed is the most giving and loving man and I am so thankful that God has kept us arm in arm. So I mentioned GOD....GOD has such a hand in this journey but I believe my mom did too. When I tell about the journey we took to Ella it's easy to see where Gods hand was because there were lots of little miracles along the path. Things that shouldn't have worked out but did because of his grace. I also believe that my mom played a part in this gift. Ella's gotcha day was December 12 in China and her official adoption day is Dec 13th. The significance of this day is it is my mothers birthday. I believe my moms message to me is "Here is your dream come true for that relationship you have waited so long for!"
Ella at 10 years old loves me so unconditionally and I am so lucky to have this little wonder call me mom. I have no doubt that I will have all those mother- daughter moments that I always longed for throughout my days here on earth. My heart I have to say is overflowing with joy and love.
In such a weird way I am so thankful for all the hardships I endured as a child because it makes this life I am living that much sweeter. I am eternally thankful for my God making this life possible and I am thankful for my gift from my mom...because I truly believe she had her hand in this magical gift.

Merry Christmas🎄🎅🏻