May 18...Two Years Later

As of today, it has been two years since is first met Birkely in person. Our Gotcha Day would not come for another month but this was a very important day anyway. Last year, I reflected on that day. This year, I think I will talk about Birkely now.

There are so many things I love about Birkely. Our mother/daughter ness has been an evolutionary process. Two years ago we were strangers. She had suffered great, recent loss. (I can now appreciate how incredibly difficult it must have been for her to simply put one foot in front of the other). She was described by our former adoption agency in country representative (and good friend) as being "the most fragile child they had ever worked with." Knowing what I know now about her story on top of the fact that no one around her spoke her language or tried to explain what was happening...I can see that fragility. She was fragile but so incredibly brave and strong. I wouldn't describe her as fragile now. But, I guess, on some level, everyone is.

Birkely has an amazing work ethic. Even after two years home, she still does anything I ask her to do without complaint. She works hard and does her best at everything she does. She doesn't always enjoy it and does tell me so. But she doesn't whine or moan or groan. She just digs in as does it the best she can.

She is smart. She is a good reader and likes math. Her favorite things to learn about are other cultures. I love this about her. It provides us with lots of experiential learning opportunites.

She is an athlete. When it comes to sports, she just has "it." It is fun to watch her play whatever she is playing.

She is kind. She has a heart for people and is concerned about those who are hurting or have been wronged.

She is open to new experiences and people.

She is resilient. She has been through so much. But she laughs and has fun and is able to feel joy.

I could go on and sometime I will but I want to get this posted on our actual anniversary.