For the first seven years of my daughter’s life, she was an only child. To be honest she was also pretty spoiled. I had a very difficult pregnancy with her and she was born facing a number of challenges, so she was my blessing from above that I would cherish, which means spoiling.

We talked with her for a few years about foster care and adoption before jumping into. So, she went for years without having to share anything to sharing everything over night with children she did not even know (on occasional children she did not like very much). This was a dramatic change for her. She did not even bat an eye at sharing. She did time to time struggle with the loss of being the center and only one in our world. Truly she has been the most caring and understanding for the children that have come into our lives. There have been times that our whole world has been ripped apart by foster children in our home but she has always been understanding and compassionate.

She has shared her room, clothing, friends, activities, family, parents, privacy, and so much more without resenting the children even if they do not appreciate it. She has grown into a kind lovely big sister. I watch her with her baby sister and brother and I know we have given her so much through adoption. She was a heart of gold that she does not mind sharing. My love this Thursday is the person that I have watched my daughter grow into. I am truly amazed by her and how she has overcome so much. Love is her give so much to every child that has come with our home.

The best thing is she still likes to spend time with me even though she is a teenager. I can only hope and pray that will continue. I cherish every moment she shares with me.