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So, I have been extremely swamped with so many projects... it's rediculous... can't wait till they are complete. I wanted to share a cool story about one of my clients. I am so fortunate to meet so many amazing people as a photographer and want to share the stories I hear from time to time on this blog........this one brought me to tears:) Keep in mind her husband is Blind.

Dear Louwani,

Words cannot do justice to describe how happy I am as your husband. I want to protect and provide for you and Arianna's every need. I want to be a good husband and father for you both. Whenever I reach over in the middle of the night while you are sleeping to feel you and Arianna I am filled with overwhelming happiness. I love to hear you both breathing. I love the warmth of your bodies next to mine. I love how comfortable and peaceful you both feel as you rest in our bed. I am so proud and I know you are a wonderful and blessed Mother! I wanted to write a little letter to document the events of our adoption of Arianna. She is a miracle. Babe, we really are a family! See the attached document.

Love,

Thomas



A Samoan Princess

Every person has a story about his/her life’s beginning. Here is our daughter’s story. A miracle was born on August 7, 2006 and her name is Arianna Jonea Hicks. She was born in Anchorage, Alaska at Alaska Regional Hospital and she is a survivor. She weighed seven pounds and measured 19.5 inches in length. She is half Samoan and all Hicks! We call her our little Polynesian Island Girl. At birth her beautiful dark bluish eyes were wide open as she took her first breath and greeted our world for the first time. Her olive complexion and long black hair are stunning. She has pretty long slender fingers like a concert pianist. One day, I am confident, Arianna will be an excellent Kenpo Karate Girl! She is so wanted by many and Louwani and I are so proud and blessed to be her adoptive parents. My sister Tanya Hicks is her birth mother. Unfortunately, Tanya knew she was unable to financially nurture and provide for Arianna’s needs so she made the very difficult decision to give up her baby for adoption. Everyone involved agreed that Tanya’s difficult decision was a very unselfish and thoughtful act. After taking 30-seconds to contemplate Arianna’s future, Louwani and I asked Tanya if she would allow us to adopt Arianna and raise her as our own daughter. Tanya’s immediate response was a very relieved and excited yes! Tanya is so grateful and blessed to keep Arianna in our family, as are we. All Tanya asked of us was that we tell Arianna about her and keep in touch with her from time to time, which we committed to do so. Tanya said that the biological father did not want to accept any responsibility or provide support for her and requested to not be a part of Arianna’s life. On the birth certificate the father is listed as unknown. His loss is our blessed gain! On August 8, 2006, we boarded an American West airplane non-stop from Phoenix to Anchorage, Alaska and thus began our new journey together as parents. After completing the necessary hospital and legal adoptive paperwork to protect Arianna’s future, Louwani and I became her legal parents on August 9, 2006. This adoption relationship is irrevocable and permanent. Tanya named Arianna after my youngest sister Arianna. Aunty Arianna is very happy and proud to be Arianna’s namesake. Both Louwani’s and my family have rallied their support around our decision to raise her as our own. Many relationships within our families have been fragmented and hurting for years, but the birth of Arianna has started the healing process in these relationships. Her life is a gift and she is a true miracle because she has brought so many hurting people in our families together. Her life has taught us all to get over ourselves and put first things first. Because of Arianna we are learning the importance of extended family and loving relationships. She has taught us that we need each other and that with each other our lives are much better. I guess our dependent little girl has helped us realize our own family’s interdependence. Arianna has four grandfathers, three grandmothers, one uncle, four aunts, six brothers, two sisters, and numerous cousins all of whom are very happy she is a part of their lives. Our little Polynesian Island Girl is truly a Samoan Princess and as her new parents Louwani and I feel very blessed. We think she is absolutely perfect! Both Louwani and I want to raise Arianna to become a loving and responsible person and we wish her a happy, healthy, and prosperous future.