A daughter is . . .

"A daughter is the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future." -- Author Unknown

Six years ago today, we met our daughter in a warm room at the adoption registry center in Guangzhou, China. All of the little girls in our group were dressed alike in little sweatsuits, except for the twins. They wore a different outfit but matched each other, of course. We were the second or third parents called and presented with our daughter. She was sucking furiously on her finger, but otherwise was very quiet, just taking it all in.

I had been thinking about her for years and what she might be like. She would be petite and dainty with beautiful straight (unlike me) black hair. She would be bright and sweet and have an amazing sense of humor. She would have a killer smile… one that could charm anyone and everyone who met her. She would be the soul of kindness and generosity. She would be a true friend and would approach life with enthusiasm and optimism. She would be loving and affectionate – it would never bother her to kiss and hug her family in public! She is all of these things and so much more!

For the last six years, she has brought the greatest joy into my life and that of our family every single day. She has gone from a quiet bewildered 14-month-old baby to a sweet, confident first-grader. I can't wait to watch her unfold yet further and to see her become the beautiful young woman she is destined to be.