I’m honored to have author, writer, speaker, and consultant, Sharon Brani as my guest. She relates the story of a day remembered, a day just prior to her trip to Russia which began an Unforgettable Christmas Journey.
Here’s Sharon in her own words . . .
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It seems like yesterday since I first hung this decoration on my Christmas tree, but it’s been twenty-one years.
I remember the day so vividly.
My mom and I were busy shopping that day, buying cute little outfits for a six month old baby girl who waited in Russia to be adopted.
I had been notified three days earlier to buy my plane ticket to fly to Russia on December 19th.
My feet seemed to walk on air as we pushed the shopping cart around the store.
There was so much still to be done.
Buying gifts to take with me to Russia.
Diapers, bottles, blankets, and clothing for my soon-to-be adopted little baby girl.
Packing, paperwork.
Mom and I chuckled together as we loaded the cart with boxes and boxes of cigarettes (my brother insisted they’d come in handy as peace offerings), perfumes, and various other items.
As I walked around the baby department, my thoughts wandered back to the small photo I had been given of precious baby girl with big, brown, serious eyes.
Lord, she needs to smile.
She needs to know she is loved.
She needs to know about You.
Suddenly my eyes were drawn to a pink baby blanket on display.
I reached out and felt how incredibly soft it was and held it up for my mom to see.
We knew immediately that this was the blanket I would take with me to bring my little girl home.
And along with the blanket, I purchased a small Christmas ornament, Baby’s First Christmas.
I’ll never forget my excitement as we shopped that day.
The pink blanket was packed in my suitcase awaiting the special day,
and the ornament was hung on my tree in hope—
that one day soon, my baby girl would celebrate her first Christmas—at home.
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Meet my friend and guest, the author of this beautiful story, Sharon Brani, and daughter, Noelle.
Sharon is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia, a Board Certified Coach, an educator, published freelance writer, and speaker whose life is committed to helping people discover the way life is meant to be. She’s written over 300 articles, stories, and devotionals for a variety of inspirational publications, and has contributed stories to the Chicken Soup series.
Sharon is the mother of two amazing daughters whom she adopted from Russia. As a nurturer she is well equipped to coach parents at every stage of the adoption process.
Here is a link to Sharon’s website, Discover Life, her blog, Shining Moments, and a link to her brand new book,
The Unforgettable Christmas Journey. 
Congratulations, Sharon, and thank you, it is a joy to have you share part of your wondrous Christmas Journey with us.
And here’s one more photo of Sharon and (check out that beautiful smile!) Noelle.
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“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
“How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings” (Psalm 36:7).
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We’re all on this path of life together. Our prayer is that the Lord will blanket you with the beauty of His peace and fill you with His joy this Christmas season.
Where do you hope your journey will take you this in this new year to come? Please share your comments with us.
Love and Merry Christmas!
Sally and Sharon
EVERYONE HAS A STORY 