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To My Daughter On Her 4th Birthday

August 2004

Dear McKenna:

I've been debating what to write for your annual birthday letter wanting to give you bright, happy thoughts.

I can't believe you're going to be four years old on the 15th. It seems like only a blink away I saw you swaddled in white in the hospital. I'm so glad you have such a great family inVicki and Larry. Vicki loves you so much and sends me emails all the time about how you're doing. Larry taped your first dance recital recently which I can't wait to see.

They tell me you're having your party at the water park that you love. I know you'll have a blast. In my usual tradition I'll be releasing the balloons at the park where we had Placement - four of them this year. I'll watch them float up to the sky and again wish you a happy birthday as the balloons climb higher and higher into the clouds. My once deep sorrow has now turned into heartfelt happiness knowing that you enjoy a new, good life each day with your adoptive parents. You get to have all the things I was never able to give you including peace and stability which every child deserves.

Soon the Olympics will be on t.v. again just like four years ago when I watched, pregnant with you. Those were memorable times I will treasure always.

I used to be awkward when asked about you by others but now I proudly say, "She lives with her adoptive family." I do have some of your pictures displayed all over my apartment like in the bedroom where a copy of your footprints hangs by some of my framed published articles. Now I can't imagine my life without you. It is like the chapters before you came along don't exist.

Every day I thank God for you.

Happy 4th Birthday!

I love you,



Terri

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