My adopted daughter said,

When I first got her, she was a mess.  She was such a mess with her hair falling out, her teeth rotted, and she had picked all the skin off her feet, hands, and head.  I fell so in love with her and if possible more protective of her than anyone.  I knew if I didn't love her no one would. 

I wanted to take her on vacation to Padre Island, and go shopping in Mexico.  I called the judge and he said sure.  I was shocked.  I was also shocked that she was terrified of going to a hotel.  Her dad had been shot in a drug deal gone bad in front of her at a hotel.  I tried to reassure her, but she remained on guard. 

When we arrived at the luxury hotel, she said, "Where the hell are we?"   

She had a mouth on her and on a five year old it was even more shocking.  Anyway, when we went swimming in the pool, she made a little friend quickly.  

I heard her say pointing to me, "That's my new mom, but you don't know her 'cause she has a different bathing suit on."

I love her more each day.  

Note' I don't post pictures of her when she was little for fear of recognition.  They'd never know the princess now.