Be Our Valentine

This February 14th brings many old and new emotions.  It would have been my BFF's mother's (fondly known has Grand Jan) 83rd birthday.  I remember her favorite cake was "Red Velvet" and she was celebrated in style.  Janice was one amazing lady and I was blessed to have her in my life. 

Also, 20 years ago I took out an ad in the Washington Post that read, "Katrina, will you Be Our Valentine?  Welcome to your new family.  We love you."  I still have that ad tucked in my bible. (Katina is our goddaughter and the reason we have our Jeffrey.  Another story for another day).

This year is a different type of love.  The love of a child you are blessed to have in your life. Alyssa is the type of young lady who smiles and fills the room with sunshine.   She appreciates the "little things" like a Valentine's Day card with kittens and a box of chocolates that has a sweet kitten on the front.  "I am going to save this", she says and smiles as she walks into her bedroom to get ready for school.  That moment right there warmed my heart.  That is pure love.  Innocent, unassuming, unconditional love. 

This past Monday we were awarded temporary physical custody of Alyssa until our next court date of April 10th.  This road has been filled with tears, bumps, prayers, and more questions than answers.  However, if you asked me would I do it all again to be here today the answer is 100% YES!!!!  Alyssa is worth the fight, but we still have other huddles to cross and with God's help I am confident he will stand with us.  I feel undeserving of this challenge because Alyssa is just that special to me, but God chooses people for certain children and for that reason I feel truly blessed to be chosen.

So next time you say a prayer say one for Alyssa please.  We want her to be where God wants her to be, if  that's with us or with her birth mother, but it's never been about us it's always been about Alyssa.

Today I celebrate Valentine's Day with a heart full of love and gratitude.  Alyssa, we want you to know you will always be Our Valentine baby girl.  💖

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