One Month

Dear Claire,
       Today you have been with us for one month.  We've come so far in these 31 days.  The day you were handed to us in a conference room in Chengdu, China will forever be etched in our family story.  You were so frightened, and we were too.  You whimpered and feel asleep in our arms.  We were terrified, and in love.   We didn't yet know you, but we knew we would fight to protect you. 
      You had never touched carpet, ridden in a car, been in a hotel, or eaten pizza.  You had seen the inside of your orphanage, but not the world beyond the gates.  These first weeks of discovery have been precious ones.  Every day you bloom just a bit more.  At end of each day, we are more connected, more deeply bonded than the last. 
     You are our daughter.  You now share our last name, a room under our roof, a place at our table, and a chunk of our hearts.  You are a fighter and a survivor.  Despite having your world turned inside out (and not being in perfect health), you are thriving.  Each day your body gets stronger. 
    Our legs are still a bit shaky and our hearts a bit tender, but we are stronger too.   We are learning how to love you, and you are learning how to be loved.  You were sent to shake us up and make us new.   You've helped us shed some layers, and deepen our faith.  As you lay your tiny head on our shoulders each night, our hearts swell with a new understanding of grace.    We are the lucky ones, sweet girl.  We are the ones who have been blessed.

                                                              With love,
                                                              Mommy and Daddy