Happy Gotcha Day, Esen!

Six years ago, our lives were forever changed.  Of course, the addition of  your first child always changes your life in the typical "holy crap, we've a kid now" kind of ways, but six years ago today, for me anyway, I had my single most life-altering experience.  Six years ago today, I walked into an orphanage.  I needed that.  I needed that reality.  I not only needed my son; my too small, too sick, too scared, painfully damaged son; I needed life to teach me that I was selfish and closed off; that I was on the wrong path.  I needed my eyes opened to the larger world around me.  I credit one, little person for changing my life for the better and that's Esen.

Who knew I would learn so much from this one, little person.  Who knew that as the days passed and the healing slowly began (and still continues) that our hearts would open and change in such big ways.

Esen, you are the greatest gift the world could've ever given us.  You make me smile and laugh every day. You always keep me guessing and definitely keep me on my toes!  You have taught me patience, gratitude, humility, forgiveness and courage.  You are a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit. 

Thank you, my little monkey, for allowing us to be your Mom & Dad - it is an honor, a privilege and I am truly grateful every second of every day.  I love you more than you can ever know!

Happy Gotcha Day, Buddy!!