Twelve years ago today, Hadassah was born in Abeche, Chad. We were so delighted that she arrived safely, especially in light of the fact that she was born in our home rather than a hospital.

Two midwives, Margit and Holly, helped out with the birth and they were both phenomenal in taking care of both Hadassah as well as Sonja.

To celebrate Hadassah’s birthday, Sonja got her up early and took her out for coffee and a walk to the park for pictures. She opened up some of her gifts at that time.

Later in the day, I took her out for a special father-daughter dinner date of pasta and meatballs on a rooftop restaurant overlooking the St. Croix River.

Finally, she finished the day with a surprise trip to see the Broadway performance of Wicked, an offshoot tale from The Wizard of Oz, at the Orpheum with her sister, Evangeline, and I.

Happy 12th birthday Hadassah…we love you so much!