April 17, 2009 Letter

Good morning my forever child,

I have another friend who wants to say hello. Her name is Sarah, and she and her husband Nathan are amazing people that can't wait to meet you.

Remember I need you and love you.
xoxo Mommy

Dear Sweet Child,

By the time you read this letter I hope to have already met you and been involved in your life, but if that is not the case let me introduce myself, my name is Sarah and I have known your parents for many years. We met through a mutual friend in college. When your Mom and Dad told me that they were adopting you my heart soared at the thought of their long held desire to have a family becoming a reality. I have stood in awe at the love and sacrifices your Mom and Dad have gone through to bring you into their home. Rest assured they loved you long before the day they met you! After much consideration about what I could do to help your parents, I decided to write you this letter and tell you a little about your parents from an "outsiders" view.

I want to start by telling you that I am biased when it comes to your folks. I have always admired their attitude towards life and the way they live it to the fullest. They never avoid their responsibilities but they know when to look on the lighter side of life. That being said let me begin.

When I was young I had a poster on my bedroom wall that read "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. - Galatians 5:22-23" I was also taught the following verse "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8". As I have grown to know your parents over the years I see these virtues in them. They are always there for their friends and family in times of need. They continually provide words of encouragement, praise and support to those around them. And they support each other with an unfailing love.

Your Mom and Dad will do everything in their power to provide for your every need and want. They will be there to wipe your tears away when you fall and scrape your knee or when your first boyfriend or girlfriend breaks your heart. They will help you celebrate your first steps, your first day of school, and every glorious moment thereafter. They will standby you, stand up for you, and yet let you fly on your own to see what you can achieve. Never doubt the depth of love and need your parents have for you. They will make mistakes like all parents do but know that everything they do comes from the depths of their hearts. If you ever start to doubt your belonging just take a look back and you will see that you have always been a part of their lives even before you came to live with them.

I know when you are young you think your parents are ridiculously overbearing and very uncool, but take it from me they know more than you give them credit for. Listen closely to them and learn all you can and you will be an amazing person!

Love Always,
Sarah Dawes