Today is my mother’s birthday. As I was thinking about our relationship, I had so many wonderful thoughts come to my mind. I have been truly blessed to have her. A mother will never truly know the impact they have on a child’s life. She has profoundly impacted mine. I hope to do the same for my girls. I thought I might share with you how she impacted us adopting Rosie. In the very beginning, it takes a lot of courage to tell someone your dream. They may laugh or discourage you. Dreams are delicate and can be crushed with mere words. So when I took the leap and told a person, I picked my mom to be one of the first. Yes, she would tell what she thought but more than that I knew she would tell me what she thought God would think of my plan. So as I stumble through the words. “Mama, I think I am suppose to adopt an orphan, who lives in China.” ” I think I am suppose to adopt one that has a problem.” “She could have a cleft lip and palate, that needs to be repaired.” “It could look bad until we fix it.” “What do think we should do ?” She was quiet for a few moments and said,” Tricia, what if this little girl lives with that problem for the rest of her life and you and Will had the power to fix it.” ” I would do it !” God spoke the truth through my mom and he also gave me courage through her words to move forward. Honestly, I don’t know how my decision would have been impacted if she would have discouraged me. Maybe we would have never gotten Rosie or at least not put her special need on our adoption list. The bottom line is there is great power in our words. We must choose them wisely. I wrestle with the fact that my words have not always uplifted or helped someone with their dreams. However, today, I wanted to say to my mom, Happy Birthday, thank you not just for the impact you have made on my life but on the profound impact you have made on Rosie’s life. Her palate is repaired, her lip has been touched up. I never have to wonder if there is a little girl out there who could have been helped that is still waiting. Assignment started, I can’t wait to see the finished product. Thanks again, mama. I love you dearly.