We totally feel like the parents of a preteen. The eye rolls, drama, deep conversations, and energy fills our house. It's totally fun! No complaints from us!
She also attended her first athletic banquet and was honored for her participation in cheerleading and basketball this past spring season. Doing her hair, make up, and dressing up was a blast! She loved the pampering.
Most parents always have a tinge of sadness to watch their little girl grow up. However, coming into her life at 12 years old, we only find joy, excitement, and relief as we watch her blossom and grow. She is a typical preteen that loves life, and her past is only a small portion of who she will become. Every new step of growth brings a little sign of relief to know she has moved past the hurt. It is evident as conversations about her first 12 years flow freely without the awkwardness and pain that used to be associated with those memories. Don't get us wrong.... those ugly memories and hurt still rear it's head from time to time. However, as we write this, T is in the back seat of car singing Matthew West's song, Forgiveness. It's amazing the healing power that forgiveness brings. God has given her a hope and a future and is not a slave to hurt!
Updates:
1. She earned an "excellent" rating on her photography entry in the fine arts competition.
2. After two failed attempts by the state of Florida to work with New York, we still have not received a birth certificate with her new name. We're on attempt number three. Hopefully, this is the charm.
3. T is signed up for three different summer camps am excited for our 3 week family vacation. This is her first experience on a real family vacation.
4. T was able to meet more of her PA family: Aunt Sue, Uncle Walt, Kristen, Bryan, and Walter while they were down on vacation in Clearwater.
