First Thanksgiving Together

“For what are you most thankful this year?” It is the question that will be asked around millions of tables this Thanksgiving. And the answer at most of those tables will also be the same: my family. This year, I am especially grateful for my family—my new family. My husband Leo and I have been home from China with our Lucy since August, just three short months, and we will celebrate our first Thanksgiving together with her this year.

It’s hard to believe that just a few short months ago I wondered what my little girl would look like. Lying awake the night before “Gotcha Day,” I was curious about her personality. Who was this little girl of ours? What would our family be like with this new addition?

The months have proven that we have much to be thankful for. We saw Lucy smile, were able to watch her take her first steps, and have enjoyed her beautiful “ballet” dancing at any hint of appropriate music. We now know that she is a beautiful, spunky little girl who is perfect for our family. Our deep desire to have a child has been filled, and God gave us just the right little girl. We are thankful beyond measure.

And though Lucy’s impact on our lives has been amazing, I believe that we’ve also affected her immensely as well. We believe that Lucy was well cared for while in China. She was in good health and had developed like a normal one year old. But Lucy now has something she’s never had before—a mom and dad to love her unconditionally. This will be Lucy’s first Thanksgiving as an American, and I hope that her answer to that ubiquitous question will be the same as ours. Lucy has a family—and for that we are forever grateful.

Leo & Anna Wells