After 585 long days in foster care, our hearts finally found their missing piece. We adopted our sweet daughter, a little girl who had already endured so much in her short life, and from the very moment we met her, she became our Joy—both in name and in spirit. It feels almost like fate that we share the same birthday, a whimsical reminder that somehow, somewhere, the universe had always intended for our paths to cross.
We first met her when she was just 9 days old, a tiny, fragile bundle with big eyes that seemed to take in the world with quiet curiosity. Holding her for the first time was nothing short of magical. I remember whispering to her softly, “We’ve been waiting for you,” and feeling a rush of love so intense it almost took my breath away. Every coo, every tiny grasp of her fingers around ours, seemed to say, “I’ve been waiting for you too.”
Those 585 days before adoption were filled with moments of longing, hope, and anticipation. There were nights we spent imagining what it would feel like to finally call her ours, and days when we wondered if the wait would ever end. But through it all, we never lost faith that one day, our family would be complete.
Now, having her in our lives is a joy beyond words. She is vibrant, curious, and endlessly loving, and every day she teaches us a little more about patience, wonder, and the boundless depth of a parent’s love. Sharing a birthday with her has become a cherished tradition, a celebration not just of her life but of the miraculous journey that brought her to us.
Looking back, it’s hard to remember a time when she wasn’t with us. Her laughter fills our home, her hugs fill our hearts, and her presence fills every corner of our lives with meaning. She is our Joy, our little miracle, and we can’t imagine life without her. Every day with her is a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are worth the wait—and that love, when it finally arrives, can transform everything.
Credit: Brown Family
