Quoting page 36 as follows;
In a recent journal entry, Karen wrote about the delight she experienced when she and John celebrated Michael's latest birthday:
"We all went into his room this morning to tell him, Happy Birthday! While I was dressing him, he was jumping up and down with the biggest smile. Then he said, "Thank you for giving me a birthday."
I was quiet for a moment. I felt those words were not just from him but a gift from God. He wouldn't have had a "birthday" in the orphanage. He wouldn't have had a t-shirt with his name on it or a family to make him a cake and sing to him. It's not that these things in and of themselves are important, but they are the little things a family does for you and with you, things I take for granted. Having people there no matter what, having someone come to you when you cry, being able to make bad choices and still be loved.
Michael is a tough kid, and none of us will ever know what he experienced his first two years of life, but I know God has created him exactly how He wants him to be. Although there are many days when he can make me want to pull my hair out, I am so grateful God made me his mommy."
After sharing what Karen wrote, I think I don't need to say more. She has said things that take us deep into ourselves and we realize, yes, it is the small things, the ones we take for granted that help us love and feel loved. All I can suggest is that we take a few minutes and remind ourselves of such moments in our lives. Take a few minutes and remind ourselves how much we are blessed, loved and have to be thankful for.
If it has been a while since we have shared such times with those we love, perhaps Karen's words can touch our hearts so much so that we are motivated to stop living the way we are and look for those small things to tell others we love them and to watch for those small moments that tell us how much we are loved.