Later, I’m sitting in a chair holding my newborn granddaughter, who has been given the name Makiya Rose, while the nurses fuss around tending to her mom. My heart is so full it aches as I hold the perfect baby girl in my arms, stroke her soft little hands, drink in the features of her exquisite little face, and gently stroke her reddish hair. My eyes move back and forth between the flawless baby girl in my arms and my daughter in the hospital bed in front of me.
Linda Hoye, Two Hearts: An Adoptee’s Journey Through Grief to Gratitude
Since that frigid afternoon in Calgary, Alberta when she was born a decade ago, this one has been the light of my life. It has been my great joy to watch her grow and become the person she is. She is smart and confident, a leader with a heart of compassion. She is a performer, and music has always moved her to MOVE. She’s a reader, and a writer (woo hoo!), and just simply a delight.
Happy 10th Birthday, Makiya. Your grandma and grandpa love you very much!

Cheering and whooping here with you – what a talented young woman-in-the-making.
Happy Birthday to Makiya! A third generation writer, how wonderful to share with your daughter and grand. I was reading through your book list for 2018, and jotted down a couple of titles. Two of my favorites this year were The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by LIsa See, and News of the World by Paulette Jiles. The first has a thread about adoption, the second explores the written word in a most compelling story. Both topics that are close to my heart.
Thanks so much for the book recommendations, Karen. I downloaded samples of both to my Kindle. I loved Lisa See’s Snow Flower and the Secret Fan when I read it years ago, and this one looks equally good.