HAPPY ADOPTION DAY Sara Keller! As I sit here eating my ice cream, I know I would do it again without a second thought if given the chance. Not eat my ice cream, but rather adopt my daughter again – even knowing I would have her in this life for only 34 years. Adopting her and then having to say goodbye to her was worth every day in between her original Adoption Day in 1986 and her day of transition May 11, 2020. It was worth every pound gained from celebrating every Adoption Day by going out for ice cream as a family. Which means times three as I have three daughters who were all adopted so that means three Adoption Day ice cream outings every year. Still worth it – as we got to celebrate the three happiest days of my whole life every year. Pretty great in my book!

Today, when I opened my eyes before the morning light shone through my bedroom window, I thought of you first Sara. I know I will think of you last before I close my eyes tonight after the sun is already asleep. Because today is your day…the second happiest day of my whole life as I used to tell you (only because your older sister was adopted first and was the first happiest day of my whole life ). Yes – I cry when remembering – because you are no longer physically present in my life. But – I also smile – and laugh – and remember the really fun things you did in your life and how you made my life and the life of our family so much better, richer, and beautiful. The adventures we enjoyed together were memorable. The places to which we travelled were magnificent! From Korea to China to Borneo, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan to Hawaii to Washington to Oklahoma to New York to California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona from the ocean to the mountains to the Indonesian rainforest – you experienced more in your short 34 years than some people do living twice as long. You lived your life well – enjoying each day with your many friends and family – until your last breath. I am proud of you, Sara. I miss you and I love you. I am happy I got to be your mom – even if only for 34 years. Until next time, Sweetie.