May 2nd

For the first 36 years of my life, May 2nd was spent celebrating my grandmothers birthday. I have a lot of memories of happy celebrations and a few of missing being able to.

When we started our houseparent adventure and met our favorite girl, we found out that her birthday was also May 2nd and it was a sweet coincidence.

Today, I don’t think there will ever be a time when I don’t miss my gram tremendously. She was a mother and then some, when I needed it the most, and there is no measure for the amount of gratitude I have for her love and influence in my life. She unknowingly prepared me for this next chapter in our lives and I wish she was here to see it.

But it’s difficult to hold onto sad when I am so thankful for this day, twice.

We didn’t know this amazing girl for the first 14 years of her life, but it’s impossible not to be in awe of her strength and resilience. She is sweet (and even occasionally sour :D ), insanely smart, loving and compassionate. It would be extremely difficult not to love her.

We are so proud of all her accomplishments and blessed to be able to see her grow into the woman she will become. Our lives are better because she’s in it.

And if she wants to live with us until she’s 30 likes she says, I’m completely fine with that :D