This time last year was Ella’s first Thanksgiving. We had only been home a few weeks and were still feeling completely overwhelmed and sleep deprived, but it was a really nice day none the less. It was extremely sweet to watch my brothers bond with their new niece and watch her get to know the whole family. This year will be a little different, a little more low key, but it’ll be a nice day just the same. Two of her uncles won’t be home for the holiday this year, but it will still be really nice to have a whole day free of work and other responsibilities and full of good food!

Thanksgiving makes many take some time to reflect and acknowledge all the things they have to be thankful for. I appreciate the reminder, as it is becoming increasingly easier to get wrapped up in our daily lives and forget all that we have to be thankful for. I remember reading a post of Erin’s on the Transracial Adoption Blog that really spoke to me. She wrote about being thankful for being an American and having the right to adopt her children. That sentiment rings very true to me.

This year I will spend the day with my family whom I adore, and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. At the same time I am thankful that we have started the process to add to our family by adopting from Viet Nam again. I also can’t help but think of those waiting for families (the kids and the parents.) A couple of years ago I would have told you that I had little to be thankful for and didn’t see much of a light at the end of my personal tunnel. Today I am proud to say that I am thankful for my family and the life that we’ve built. I’m looking forward to many more holidays together where I can pause and remember all that I have been given.

photo credit: Rebecca Hess (from last Thanksgiving)

More Reading:
Thankful, Thankless (M)other
Our Funky Thanksgiving Plans
A Thanksgiving Olive Branch is Extended