Happy 21st Birthday Hannah!

Friday, October 16, 2015

Hi friends. If you are looking for my post for the release from Clearly Whimsy Stamps, click here or scroll down. 

Today is a special day for me as it is my sweet daughter Hannah's birthday. 21 years ago today, I gave birth to her and then watched her struggle in the NICU for the next two weeks. After those two weeks, I placed her in the arms of her new parents. As many of you know, last year, we were reunited when she was able to find me, in part due to my blogging on her birthday for the last several years.

If you are interested in reading any of those posts, you can find them here.


My Hannah is the most amazing person. She is super beautiful and smart and kind. She has the spirit of the Lord with her. She has two families that love her with all of their hearts. I thank my Heavenly Father often for allowing her to have had such a great life and for guiding her towards me. It truly was a miracle to be reunited.

This day used to be so sad for me. When I started this blog, I decided to do a special tribute post to her each October 16th. But other than those days, I pushed my pain and grief away and tried to bury it. I had an empty hole in my heart that never was healed -- those who say time heals all wounds probably have never given a child up for adoption. And if I am being quite honest here, the hole, while smaller, still has not completely gone away. I don't know that it ever will because I will never get those 20 years back with my daughter.

However, I rejoice in the fact that my sweet Hannah reached out and wanted to find me. I rejoice that I have gotten to see her a few times this last year. I rejoice that she appears to be healthy and happy. I rejoice when I think of her as a grown woman now. For so long, I pretty much only pictured her as the infant that I placed in another woman's arms. 

Well, if you've made it this far, I thank you. I'll leave you with the card I made for Hannah. Hannah, if you are reading this, I have loved you from the moment I found out I was pregnant with you. I love you dearly and wish you the happiest of birthdays. 

12 comments :

mqkb said...

Beautiful card to go with a beautiful story. So glad the hole in your heart is a bit smaller and you have your girl back in your life. Hugs!

Unknown said...

That is such a beautiful and heartwarming story Alanna! I am so happy for both of you and wish your daughter an amazing birthday and may happy days! hugs

Ruth said...

I'm new to your blog, so I took some time to read your previous posts. My heart goes out to you. I'm so glad you've managed to get in touch with your daughter after all these years. It's a beautiful card and I wish you and her well for your future. Thoughts and prayers. Xx

Sharli Schaitberger said...

This is a beautiful card! Hannah will love it!
Hugs!!

stampingbowd said...

Alanna, I have tears in my eyes. What a touching story. Gentle hugs. What a lovely miracle that you have been able to meet your grown daughter. Isn't it a joy to know that one day our tears will be wiped and the holes in our hearts will be completely filled. Your card is beautiful. Love and Hugs.

Heather said...

What a beautiful card. God is gracious and I'm so glad you were able to reconnect with your daughter. You'll spend an eternity together "catching up."

Kim Heggins said...

Stunning birthday card for such a sweet and blessed young lady. Thank you for sharing your story.

Kay Miller said...

Well, I'm crying here, but they are tears of joy for you and Hannah. I'm so glad your story has a happy ending and that the two of you have found each other. I believe that hole will get even smaller and smaller as the years go by. Hugs to you both. It's a gorgeous card by the way :)

Darnell said...

Happy Birthday to Hannah! I am always grinning from ear-to-ear when I read one of your moving posts about you and Hannah finding each other. It truly is a blessing and a miracle and I am so happy it happened for you, Alanna! Your card is stunning!! Hugs, Darnell

Jeanne said...

Oh Alanna, you got me again! Sniff, sniff! You are such a strong and remarkable woman. Such selflessness you possess! And strength. It has been a miracle you being reunited with your sweet daughter. I'm so glad that things have worked out for you two. Your Hannah is very blessed. Thank you for sharing your heartwarming story. I hope that hole continues to heal a bit every day! Your card is absolutely gorgeous! Big hugs!

Tracey McNeely said...

A beautiful card for your beautiful girl Alanna! I was so very happy for you when you posted last year that you were reunited. I can't even imagine what those 20 years were like for you but now you can look forward to the rest of your lives!

Joyce said...

This is such a beautiful post. I get teary when I read what you write about your daughter. Giving her over to another family was such a selfless and difficult thing to do. I am so happy for you both that you have this relationship. Your card is lovely, and I'm sure she will love it. Actually, I am so far behind, that I'm sure you already gave it to her by now.

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