Filled With Gratitude

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.  Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. 

Albert Sweitzer

Everyday is a celebration in our household.  Everyday, we are filled with gratitude, blessings, and love.  Everyday we see the transformation of what a few short months with a family and love can do.  Everyday, we are thankful for our little girl.

I am "thankful" she has learned to find her "snack" in the pantry when she is hungry, spill it all over the floor, and talk to Austin as if she has no clue how the Golden Grahams landed on the floor.

I am thankful that Addy and Austin are daily teaching Sarah new things, and she is proving her Mama and Papa wrong.  Tonight when her speech therapist was here, we were writing some words and sounds to work on.  When she was playing with Addy, don't you know she proved us both wrong and spoke those sounds.  (I'm working on video of her speaking soon, I promise.)

 Thankful for my little sprite's spunky personality.  In the fast-paced morning, I neglect to take pictures of her in the early morning.  By the time she comes home, she looks like she enjoyed her day.  Mismatched clothes, hair askew, and so I captured the breakfast of champions, with Miss Sarah turning her head in the "teasing" way she plays.

My little helper, taking the folded clothes up and down the stairs.  Putting them in the dirty clothes basket, and distributing other clothes in places I'll find in the next couple months:)

Oh, I wish I could share how this girl has changed our lives and those she is with on a daily basis.  Her teachers are continually amazed with her quickness for picking up new concepts.  Her classmates treat her as an equal, but are filled with compassion and help her as needed.  Daily, we are met with hugs, hellos, and goodbyes when she is in the great places she is.

My Sarah, changing lives, changing perceptions, changing...

I am thankful in another week, we're heading to my hometown.  To be in that circle of thankfulness, family, and love.  Where a year ago, she was a picture of hope.  This year, she is amongst us.

I am filled with gratitude daily.  It's the greatest way to live!