[DET62]

Three years ago today I was on an airplane flying to Khabarovsk to finally get my daughter. [I had had to come home and work during the 10 day waiting period after court.] My heart was so full, and I was SO exhausted - it was 22 hours on planes and many hours waiting around in airports. But it was SO worth it.

When I adopted Alesia she was 13 years old. So many people thought I was crazy to adopt an adolescent. All I knew was that when my choir sang at her orphanage, she was my child. I thought she was about 7, she was so malnourished - she was 11. Almost 2 years later, after many trials, I finally was able to get her home.

She is now a beautiful and sweet 16 year old. She has her teen moments, but I defy you to show me a better child, or a sweeter one. She wrote me the most beautiful Thanksgiving letter. Check out my blog [see signature] and read it.

My 11 year old son, home 6 months now from Kazakhstan, is also a sweetie pie.

For anyone contemplating adopting an older child, they can be the sweetest, most loving kids in the world. Yes, there will be challenges, but that's true of all kids.

Have a Happy and SAFE Thanksgiving!
Dee
[from Atlanta, where our high will be 70 today!]

[crick]

Congratulations on your family! I always love to hear the stories of older child adoption. I know everyone makes the choices best for them, and it's all good, but I do admit to having a special place for the older kids.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Crick
(from Colorado, where it's 20 and snowing)

[skyeanjel]

I am so happy to read a story where the adopted children, espescially the older ones are actually a blessing! Too many adoption horror stories on this forum, scares people away from wanting to adopt.

[catabaia]

Congratulations, I am sure this is the best Thank You ever. YOur children are great. They are so lucky to have you as their mom.

[bgashler]

Coincidentally, last year at this time we were adopting our daughter who was 8 at the time from Uralsk, Kazakhstan. She's done remarkably well in the 11 months she has been home. She's a great student and a great kid.

You can read about our adoption journey at Short Pause in Kaz