13 years & a 1/2 birthday too

13 years ago today, I made the most difficult decision of my life. I placed my beautiful daughter up for open adoption. The day she was born was more emotional than words can describe but what I can say is that the precious baby girl who was born that day was loved immediately by 2 families. My family, friends and Catholic Charities support system were there. Her wonderful adoptive parents and their friends were there too. The love in the room was palpable. It was a surreal experience i feel so fortunate to have as a part of our adoption story; a birth family and adoptive family together for the birth of a very loved baby girl. 13 years later I am so lucky to have a relationship with my daughter, and it continues to evolve. I simply adore her Mother, i think the world of her and continue to learn from her about parenting, love and perseverance. I have been blessed to be a part of their lives and watch my daughter grow into the incredible young lady she is today. I love them both deeply and couldn't be happier about the relationship we have developed and continue to grow. 

Happy birthday sweet baby girl.

 Every moment I get to spend with you is a precious moment that I cherish

This picture reminds me of a poem i found 13 years ago

that helped me when when i needed it most.

Legacy of an Adopted Child

Once there were two women who never knew each other.
One you do not remember, the other you call mother.'
Two different lives, shaped to make your one...
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.
The first gave you life and the second taught you to live it.
The first gave you a need for love, and the second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name.
One gave you a seed of talent, the other gave you an aim.
One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried your tears.
One gave you up ... that's all she could do.
The other prayed for a child and God led her straight to you.
And now you ask me, through your fears, 
the age old question unanswered throughout the years...
Heredity or environment, which are you the product of?
Neither, my darling … neither.
Just two different kinds of love.

~ Author Unknown ~

And I also celebrate my other daughter's 1/2 birthday today too.

I find it quite ironic that the day my birth daughter turns into an official "teenager" 

is also the day that my youngest turns 6 months old.

With the greatest love for both my daughters, and my son, a Mother's love is never undone.