The man I call my father is the only father I have really ever known.

I was adopted by the Langford family when I was only a few years old.  I know no other information excepting that I came to them from China.  At first, I had many, many questions, but there is no doubt now in my mind that the parents I have were meant to be mine.

In addition to dad and mom, I have a grandmother (dad's mom) and I also have four brothers (all younger).  I know no other family but the Langfords.

Add to this lively bunch, two cats (one a Norwegian Forest cat; the other, a Ragdoll) and three dogs (all Shetland sheepdogs; they look like miniature Lassies).  We also have two hamsters and five guinea pigs.  Our house is a regular zoo! LOL

Sometimes I get sad and I wish that my real parents could have kept me, but back in my native China, baby girls are often left abandoned because they value male children more.  To a family, a girl means nothing; males are expected to succeed and have a good life while girls are just second nature.  I was one of those baby girls who had been abandoned.

So this was how I came to live with the Langfords in Dearborn, Michigan, which has been my home ever since I was but a toddler.

I never learned Chinese, but I understand it, at least a little.  I grew up speaking English.  I also speak Spanish because I am taking it in school; when I graduate from college by the time I am a young adult, I want to become an interpreter for Spanish-speaking people who would like to learn English, or at least, a teacher for people who speak other languages first before English.

Anyway, at first I hated my dad because he was so big, so imposing.  He also didn't look like me.  I knew I was adopted from the time when I was four; mom and dad told me about it.  I was angry and confused, but when I realized that I was their "forever child", the hate burning inside me melted away.  I now love them, my mom and dad, with every fiber of my being. 

I also love my four crazy brothers, although they can drive me bonkers a lot of the time!  LOL

Well, that's my story.  I hope you enjoyed reading about me and my family here in America.  I am a very blessed young lady; many other people don't have what I have, and on this Thanksgiving week, I can truly find something to be thankful for.  God bless and take care, and ... Happy Thanksgiving!!

Love, your friend in Michigan, Leah Marissa Langford, aged 11.