Kynsley

On February 2, 2000 I got a call that there was a little girl who needed a home to call her own.  

Our hearts were raw from so many children coming and going from our house that we had decided to take a “break” from anymore placements.  

Jody was out of town and when I called him all he said was 

“are you sure you can handle this again?”  

2 hours later a beautiful, chubby strawberry blond was placed in my arms.  

She was fair skinned; green eyed and stole my heart.  

She was a sweet, easygoing baby and the entire family fell in love 

before daddy got home from his trip.

I was worried how Jody would react since this little bundle of joy 

had already found a place in our family, 

especially in Carsen’s arms.  

Later that night when Jody finally got home he walked in tired and cranky from a long day chasing a fugitive.  All he wanted was a shower, something to eat and a 

good nights sleep.  

What he got instead was a sweet little pink encased smiling 

2.5 week old placed in his arms. 

My big macho husband, who had just dealt with a hardened criminal, turned to mush.  

All he kept saying was “oh my god she is so beautiful.”

One year later, after a few ups and downs in the adoption process, 

 that chubby baby had turned into a 

babbling, active over-inquisitive toddler and 

in February 2001 she officially became 

Kynsley Noelle Gray.

Today she turns 14.  

She may not be the same chubby strawberry blond that was placed in my arms 

that cold winter day 

but she still steals my heart.  

She developed a feisty, fearless spirit as a toddler and that spirit grows stronger.

If I had to choose one word to describe Kynsley it would be 

fierce.  

Fierce as in, furiously intense or strong, 

the way the word fierce was used in the 16th century to mean brave or proud,

She is a girly-girl who is strong and compassionate.  

Everything she does she does with gusto.  

Her actions, her life AND her emotions are always intense.  

She is a princess…but she is also a warrior.  

She is fierce.

Happy birthday, Kiki bear.  I love you!

(a little selfie she took in the car today)