Macie Sara(3 years) and Ella Birtukan (15 months)!
I am so excited! Excited, scared, nervous, anxious, overjoyed, and proud all at once! Wow! What a tremendous number of emotions all hitting at the same time! I can't wait to go and get them!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
I'm a Mom!!!!
It's official! After a month and a half of waiting for our court date to finally hit, we made it through this morning and the girls are officially ours!!!!! I would love to introduce you to our daughters.....
Macie Sara(3 years) and Ella Birtukan (15 months)!
I am so excited! Excited, scared, nervous, anxious, overjoyed, and proud all at once! Wow! What a tremendous number of emotions all hitting at the same time! I can't wait to go and get them!
Macie Sara(3 years) and Ella Birtukan (15 months)!
I am so excited! Excited, scared, nervous, anxious, overjoyed, and proud all at once! Wow! What a tremendous number of emotions all hitting at the same time! I can't wait to go and get them!
Monday, July 28, 2008
A Tribute to Dudley
After waking up this morning, Dudley and I went and sat on the front porch, me with my cup of hot water (I know- it's just an odd thing) and Dudley with his toys.
I watched him discover his new surroundings and sniff out all the exciting smells our new yard had to offer.
I sat there in my little chair and suddenly felt horribly guilty for all those hours spent in the car. While I know Dudley's devotion to me is at a level only a Dog could reach, watching him frolic around his new, and much bigger yard, made me realize just how great a dog he is.
That said, I have made it a priority in my life this week to spoil him rotten! I have bought bacon strips, a large bone, new treats, really yummy food (no I didn't try it) and have also created the video below.
I never knew that loving an animal could be such an amazing thing. Here's to Dudley (if ya'll have a glass raise it)!
I watched him discover his new surroundings and sniff out all the exciting smells our new yard had to offer.
I sat there in my little chair and suddenly felt horribly guilty for all those hours spent in the car. While I know Dudley's devotion to me is at a level only a Dog could reach, watching him frolic around his new, and much bigger yard, made me realize just how great a dog he is.
That said, I have made it a priority in my life this week to spoil him rotten! I have bought bacon strips, a large bone, new treats, really yummy food (no I didn't try it) and have also created the video below.
I never knew that loving an animal could be such an amazing thing. Here's to Dudley (if ya'll have a glass raise it)!
We Made It To Maryland!!!!
I woke up this morning feeling relieved that today was our last day of travel. Dudley has been a fantastic traveling companion and I am so glad that we did it, but it was time to be done and it feels good to be at our final destination!
Given the length of the day and the let down that comes with all the travel being over, I am going to simply post the pictures. I'll fill you in on details later.
Hope all is well with you and I can't wait to get together pictures of the house and our new town for ya!
Given the length of the day and the let down that comes with all the travel being over, I am going to simply post the pictures. I'll fill you in on details later.
Hope all is well with you and I can't wait to get together pictures of the house and our new town for ya!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio!
It was a longer day than I thought it would be today. I think the closer this trip comes to being over the more I am slowing down a bit. That said, Dudley is ready to be done and out of the car! He is starting to get jumpy, and while he is a super sweet dog, any animal stuck in a car for a week would get a bit edgy.
We left Wisconsin and very quickly found ourselves on the way to Chicago. It was the first time I have seen Chicago outside of the airport and I discovered that Chicago really is a beautiful city. I didn't stop to play, but got a good look at it from the road and quickly added it to my list of places of must see cities. Any city by the water is a city I want to see. It really does look quite welcoming.
My only struggle today was not being aware of the unbelievable number of tolls that the state requires travelers to pay just to use the freeway! I had no idea and had just enough cash to make it through the state.
Anyway, we made it through Illinois and it took the remainder of the day to get through Ohio, which is where we are now. A few miles outside of Cleveland, we made it to Elyria just before sunset and have settled in for the night.
Tomorrow is our last day along this crazy trip we are taking. It should be a shorter day on the road (I'm sure I'll find a way to stretch it out a bit) and we should arrive at our new house before sunset. It'll be good to get to our new house and get a feel for our surroundings.
We left Wisconsin and very quickly found ourselves on the way to Chicago. It was the first time I have seen Chicago outside of the airport and I discovered that Chicago really is a beautiful city. I didn't stop to play, but got a good look at it from the road and quickly added it to my list of places of must see cities. Any city by the water is a city I want to see. It really does look quite welcoming.
My only struggle today was not being aware of the unbelievable number of tolls that the state requires travelers to pay just to use the freeway! I had no idea and had just enough cash to make it through the state.
Anyway, we made it through Illinois and it took the remainder of the day to get through Ohio, which is where we are now. A few miles outside of Cleveland, we made it to Elyria just before sunset and have settled in for the night.
Tomorrow is our last day along this crazy trip we are taking. It should be a shorter day on the road (I'm sure I'll find a way to stretch it out a bit) and we should arrive at our new house before sunset. It'll be good to get to our new house and get a feel for our surroundings.
Friday, July 25, 2008
North Dakota to Wisconsin!
Alright! I realize that the videos are totally cheating. I get that it makes me feel like I don't need to write about some of the other, much bigger and more exciting, things that are going on in life.
Let me explain. Between the move, the military adjustment, the idea of Garrett being in medical school full time, and preparations for the girls, I am just a bit overwhelmed. For that reason, I have devoted myself to the "day at a time" philosophy. Hence, the videos and short little blurbs about the everyday things that happen along the road.
Forgive me, those of you that would like more of the "real" me..... you are just gonna have to hang in there til I have a little more to give.
In the mean time I will say that Dudley is the best non-human traveler out there. Not only will he sleep for hours on end, but he feels it necessary to walk right up to the front of the car and check on me from time to time. Today, he did that, looked at me with this face like "Dear God Mama, PLEASE let me out of this car!". After witnessing this desperate cry for attention, I pulled into a Burger King, bought a burger and split it with him. While the burger was great, I must say that the speed with which Dudley digested it was impressive, as was the gas that followed that digestion. Thank goodness for electric windows and fresh air!
For those of you concerned regarding his overall health and well being, I DID, in fact, let him out of the car on multiple occasions and let him run. We are pretty close he and I. We take care of each other.
Anyway, all that said, we are in Verona, Wisconsin for the evening and head off to Cleveland tomorrow. Yippie!!!!! I'll update ya then!
Let me explain. Between the move, the military adjustment, the idea of Garrett being in medical school full time, and preparations for the girls, I am just a bit overwhelmed. For that reason, I have devoted myself to the "day at a time" philosophy. Hence, the videos and short little blurbs about the everyday things that happen along the road.
Forgive me, those of you that would like more of the "real" me..... you are just gonna have to hang in there til I have a little more to give.
In the mean time I will say that Dudley is the best non-human traveler out there. Not only will he sleep for hours on end, but he feels it necessary to walk right up to the front of the car and check on me from time to time. Today, he did that, looked at me with this face like "Dear God Mama, PLEASE let me out of this car!". After witnessing this desperate cry for attention, I pulled into a Burger King, bought a burger and split it with him. While the burger was great, I must say that the speed with which Dudley digested it was impressive, as was the gas that followed that digestion. Thank goodness for electric windows and fresh air!
For those of you concerned regarding his overall health and well being, I DID, in fact, let him out of the car on multiple occasions and let him run. We are pretty close he and I. We take care of each other.
Anyway, all that said, we are in Verona, Wisconsin for the evening and head off to Cleveland tomorrow. Yippie!!!!! I'll update ya then!
Billings to Fargo!
I can't tell you how nice it is to be in a hotel room and headed to bed instead of in a car headed down the road. Today was over 9 hours of driving from Montana into North Dakota. While the west side of Montana puts the east side of the state to shame, there was a pretty cool storm that I passed over and got some good shots of. I forget in the warm California sun, what kinds of cool cloud formations show up when there is a really good storm brewing!
The first hour into North Dakota was pretty interesting as well. There were some very cool rock formations that were pretty impressive. After that first hour though, the state definitely left something to be desired for somebody that is used to seeing mountains around her! Flat and oh, wait.... nope- just flat land.
By the end of the day I was fairly sure that I had been through the widest state in the US (I realize this is not accurate people- it just felt true!).
So, now I am in Fargo, the land of wood chippers. After driving through the state, I see now why one might be tempted to have one for recreational use as well as the functionality of it.
Fargo is the biggest city I have seen since leaving Montana and I have never been more thankful or relieved to stop driving- and I love to drive.
Tomorrow it is on to Madison, Wisconsin where I will try to collect a variety of cheeses to stock our house of with. I love cheese. Especially really sharp, old, "smells like socks" kinda cheese.
The first hour into North Dakota was pretty interesting as well. There were some very cool rock formations that were pretty impressive. After that first hour though, the state definitely left something to be desired for somebody that is used to seeing mountains around her! Flat and oh, wait.... nope- just flat land.
By the end of the day I was fairly sure that I had been through the widest state in the US (I realize this is not accurate people- it just felt true!).
So, now I am in Fargo, the land of wood chippers. After driving through the state, I see now why one might be tempted to have one for recreational use as well as the functionality of it.
Fargo is the biggest city I have seen since leaving Montana and I have never been more thankful or relieved to stop driving- and I love to drive.
Tomorrow it is on to Madison, Wisconsin where I will try to collect a variety of cheeses to stock our house of with. I love cheese. Especially really sharp, old, "smells like socks" kinda cheese.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Idaho, Montana and on to North Dakota!!!
I had a heavy heart yesterday and continue to feel that way today. My mind is on the girls and bringing them home. The closer I get to Maryland, the closer I get to them. Court is next week and I am more than anxious to see how it goes. I am trying to keep my mind on taking one day at a time until i know that Macie and Ella are legally ours.
The other part of me is pulled to home and family on the west coast. I am a fairly independent girl, but I want the girls to know their family and being so far from them makes me sad. I already look forward to many visits to and from home.
Thanks for all the calls, texts and encouragement guys! I'm off to Fargo!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
When I woke up this morning, I found myself in the Seattle weather I am used to- overcast and chilly!
I felt it was entirely appropriate, as I did not want to leave the west coast, let alone my family behind.
Before we said our goodbyes, the fam made sure to make a small little "hello" video for Macie and Ella! They are so excited to meet the girls. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have such a supportive family!
I did it though. I got things packed, loaded in the car and drove east to Idaho. I will be on the road for the next 5 days at least. I imagine I'll arrive in Maryland on Sunday, but I've given myself some room to stretch out the time line if I need to. I arrived in Idaho a lot sooner than I thought and while I WAS speeding, it was really only about 4 or 5 mph over the speed limit. It took a total of 5 1/2 hours to get here and now I am settled into my hotel room, Dudley is passed out asleep and I am trying to review my plan for tomorrow. Initially, I thought I would make it to Billings, Montana and stop for the night, but now I am thinking that I might be able to make it quite a bit further, so I am reworking the whole plan.
I am only in Idaho for a few hours worth of the drive. The north end of the state is pretty skinny, so I will be on Montana for much of tomorrow. That said, what I have seen of Idahoe is much more attractive than the high desert of eastern Washington.Coeur d'Alene is a beautiful little town. There is a lake in center of the city that is obviously a huge draw in the summer months. Today, however it is slightly overcast and while there are definately people out and about, my guess would be that when the sun it out the beach is completely packed!
I felt it was entirely appropriate, as I did not want to leave the west coast, let alone my family behind.
Before we said our goodbyes, the fam made sure to make a small little "hello" video for Macie and Ella! They are so excited to meet the girls. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to have such a supportive family!
I did it though. I got things packed, loaded in the car and drove east to Idaho. I will be on the road for the next 5 days at least. I imagine I'll arrive in Maryland on Sunday, but I've given myself some room to stretch out the time line if I need to. I arrived in Idaho a lot sooner than I thought and while I WAS speeding, it was really only about 4 or 5 mph over the speed limit. It took a total of 5 1/2 hours to get here and now I am settled into my hotel room, Dudley is passed out asleep and I am trying to review my plan for tomorrow. Initially, I thought I would make it to Billings, Montana and stop for the night, but now I am thinking that I might be able to make it quite a bit further, so I am reworking the whole plan.
I am only in Idaho for a few hours worth of the drive. The north end of the state is pretty skinny, so I will be on Montana for much of tomorrow. That said, what I have seen of Idahoe is much more attractive than the high desert of eastern Washington.Coeur d'Alene is a beautiful little town. There is a lake in center of the city that is obviously a huge draw in the summer months. Today, however it is slightly overcast and while there are definately people out and about, my guess would be that when the sun it out the beach is completely packed!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Dancing Around the World
OK- So I totally want in on this idea! Anybody up for a little travel? Martha, you in?
Pike's Place Market
For those of you that have not been, Pike's Place Market has been one of the coolest places in Seattle for over 100 years. The market now sits on a hill just above the ferry and cruise ports on the water. It is 3 levels high and spans two city blocks in length. There are vendors of all kinds sellings goods of all sorts. 
On the north end of the market there is a small patch of grass where, on a warm day like today, one can easily find a great place to sit and rest before taking on the adventure that is... THE MARKET. :) 
On the south end, there are signs everywhere directing people to the market street itself. It would be close to impossible for anyone driving around downtown to miss it! 
While this is just a small glance at the produce section of the market, you get a feel for what this place is like. Imagine the section below stretched out times 4 or 5 and you get an idea of how large just one type of vendors space can be. 
Produce, fish and flowers take up a HUGE section of the market. The flowers are unlike any I have seen anywhere else and they go on for DAYS!!!!! They are beautiful and the wonderful vendors that sell them will make a boquet for you of whatever flowers you would like. It is like that scene out of My Fair Lady (the movie for those of you that aren't familiar with musicals- rent it!). Kind of a dreamy section of the market. 
This is the interior of the market. There are three levels, all with clear directions on how to get to each one. Very cool. 
The fish.... O.K. this deserves a video. A video that isn't that great- but again, it at least gives you an idea of what it can be like. The guys that work at this particular fish vendor are fantastic at entertaining the public. They do it all day long and they keep the crowds coming in!
On the north end of the market there is a small patch of grass where, on a warm day like today, one can easily find a great place to sit and rest before taking on the adventure that is... THE MARKET. :) 
On the south end, there are signs everywhere directing people to the market street itself. It would be close to impossible for anyone driving around downtown to miss it! 
While this is just a small glance at the produce section of the market, you get a feel for what this place is like. Imagine the section below stretched out times 4 or 5 and you get an idea of how large just one type of vendors space can be. 
Produce, fish and flowers take up a HUGE section of the market. The flowers are unlike any I have seen anywhere else and they go on for DAYS!!!!! They are beautiful and the wonderful vendors that sell them will make a boquet for you of whatever flowers you would like. It is like that scene out of My Fair Lady (the movie for those of you that aren't familiar with musicals- rent it!). Kind of a dreamy section of the market. 
This is the interior of the market. There are three levels, all with clear directions on how to get to each one. Very cool. 
The fish.... O.K. this deserves a video. A video that isn't that great- but again, it at least gives you an idea of what it can be like. The guys that work at this particular fish vendor are fantastic at entertaining the public. They do it all day long and they keep the crowds coming in!Friday, July 18, 2008
A Very Merry Un-Birthday and Ethiopian Cuisine
I woke up this morning to the sound of little feet upstairs preparing for the boys birthday bash. Both Greg and Isaac were born very close to Christmas so they celebrate their half-birthdays. This gives them great weather and a bit more attention for themselves on their special day. Among other things, the boys were given these great Nerf guns with body gear and everything. They took the whole thing very seriously. They look like they are ready to conquer any bad guy that comes their way!
After the party ended, we took a brief break to catch up on things and then headed off to dinner. Having never tried it before, I wanted to take the opportunity while I was in the city to try Ethiopian cuisine. Let me tell you- it was WONDERFUL!
Not only was the flavor amazing, but the presentation was beautiful. Kids and adults alike, ate with our hands all kinds of things that were totally new. From raw beef to "green chicken", to injera (a common Ethiopian bread) we piled on the food and ate until we were stuffed. There were spices I have never tasted before and let me tell you, A LOT of water was consumed by all!
It was great! I will gladly learn how to make what I can and order out for the rest whenever I get the chance. I can't wait to actually eat it while I'm there!
After the party ended, we took a brief break to catch up on things and then headed off to dinner. Having never tried it before, I wanted to take the opportunity while I was in the city to try Ethiopian cuisine. Let me tell you- it was WONDERFUL!
Not only was the flavor amazing, but the presentation was beautiful. Kids and adults alike, ate with our hands all kinds of things that were totally new. From raw beef to "green chicken", to injera (a common Ethiopian bread) we piled on the food and ate until we were stuffed. There were spices I have never tasted before and let me tell you, A LOT of water was consumed by all!
It was great! I will gladly learn how to make what I can and order out for the rest whenever I get the chance. I can't wait to actually eat it while I'm there!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Seattle At Sunset
Last night I got in my car and decided to take a drive. Being vaguely familiar with the city, I found my way into downtown Seattle and across the bridge to Alki beach, across the water from Seattle. It was a beautiful evening and I couldn't have asked for better weather or a clearer sky.
I love this picture. I could have sat on that bench for hours and been completely oblivious to the rest of the world. Yes, there were a lot of other people out and about enjoying the sunset along with me, but for a short while, this bench sat empty and I had to capture the moment before it passed.
I know the photo below is a little out of sorts, but this car wash has drawn my eye since I was a little girl. It makes me laugh and will always remind me of Seattle. If they ever take this building down, I hope they auction off the sign! I'd love to bid on it!
I love this picture. I could have sat on that bench for hours and been completely oblivious to the rest of the world. Yes, there were a lot of other people out and about enjoying the sunset along with me, but for a short while, this bench sat empty and I had to capture the moment before it passed.
I know the photo below is a little out of sorts, but this car wash has drawn my eye since I was a little girl. It makes me laugh and will always remind me of Seattle. If they ever take this building down, I hope they auction off the sign! I'd love to bid on it!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Coolest Seattle Family EVER!!!!!
When you wake up in the Brighton household, you never really know how the day will begin. There are some mornings that start with a little am Yoga session, kids included- 
Other mornings there are early afternoon trips to the beach for a little sun and relaxation- 
Then there are the days like today, when I am priviledged enough to be given the opportunity to have the kids to myself and wander into the city to play. Natalie, Greg, Carter and I went downtown and actually went up the Space Needle! I hadn't made that trip since I was a child, so it was neat to be able to see it through adult eyes. This is not that common of a trip for most Seattlites. As with many who live in cities, the tourist attractions aren't always big draws. However, the kids and I had a ball, got a military discount (thank you Garrett) and looked out all over the town on a beautiful Seattle summer day! We spent enough time at the top of the "Needle" to get hungry and proceeded down to the city center for lunch. We ate horribly unhealthy fried food, cotton candy and soda until we were stuffed! 
We wandered around the center for a while, playing in huge fountains and admiring the day until we got tired and decided to just take a drive around the city and then head home. 
There is a lot to be said for driving around with me... not that I am all that great a person, I just have moments, like many others, when you can see me rockin' out pretty hard to whatever tunes might be on the radio. As you can see when you click on the video below.... this is a totally genetic trait! Forgive the AC/DC for those of you that aren't fans. You may become them though after watching this...
I love this city, the people in it, and the family that is here!
Other mornings there are early afternoon trips to the beach for a little sun and relaxation- 
Then there are the days like today, when I am priviledged enough to be given the opportunity to have the kids to myself and wander into the city to play. Natalie, Greg, Carter and I went downtown and actually went up the Space Needle! I hadn't made that trip since I was a child, so it was neat to be able to see it through adult eyes. This is not that common of a trip for most Seattlites. As with many who live in cities, the tourist attractions aren't always big draws. However, the kids and I had a ball, got a military discount (thank you Garrett) and looked out all over the town on a beautiful Seattle summer day! We spent enough time at the top of the "Needle" to get hungry and proceeded down to the city center for lunch. We ate horribly unhealthy fried food, cotton candy and soda until we were stuffed! 
We wandered around the center for a while, playing in huge fountains and admiring the day until we got tired and decided to just take a drive around the city and then head home. 
There is a lot to be said for driving around with me... not that I am all that great a person, I just have moments, like many others, when you can see me rockin' out pretty hard to whatever tunes might be on the radio. As you can see when you click on the video below.... this is a totally genetic trait! Forgive the AC/DC for those of you that aren't fans. You may become them though after watching this... I love this city, the people in it, and the family that is here!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Portland
With the car full and Dudley ready to go, we left the park and headed North to Portland. I have a great college friend that lives there and was kind enough to put me up for the night.
Ya gotta love quality girl time! There's something about being able to share the most real sides of yourself with someone who is happy to listen, loving you in spite of it all. Of course, we both downed a 1/2 gallon of ice cream while we were talking, but what's wrong with that?
On Saturday morning Kirstin surprised me with a massage appointment! SOOOOO NEEDED!!!! For a while there, I had forgotten I had a neck between my shoulders and my head!
Thanks to her, I was able to get back into the car and travel a bit further to where I am now.... SEATTLE- but that is another blog!
To be continued....
Ya gotta love quality girl time! There's something about being able to share the most real sides of yourself with someone who is happy to listen, loving you in spite of it all. Of course, we both downed a 1/2 gallon of ice cream while we were talking, but what's wrong with that?
On Saturday morning Kirstin surprised me with a massage appointment! SOOOOO NEEDED!!!! For a while there, I had forgotten I had a neck between my shoulders and my head!
Thanks to her, I was able to get back into the car and travel a bit further to where I am now.... SEATTLE- but that is another blog!
To be continued....
California Fires!
I have never inhaled so much smoke in all my life! All of Butte County, California is COVERED with the worst smoke I have ever seen in my life. It has been days since I left there and my cough still persists! I feel like I actually inhaled some ash (which is entirely possible)!
The work that all of the emergency personel are putting in blows my mind! The numbers of volunteers and staff working overtime are tremendous and the hearts of those that continue to give astound me.
I have again, been impressed by those I know in the field that, without complaint, give of themselves adn their time, wanting to help out in any way that they can. Wow! Such an amazing group of people.
Anyway, on with the updates....
I left for Redding Friday of last week, but with the Camp fire, returned to make sure Garrett's family was out of the immediate threat zone (some were, others weren't- sorry Sarah, glad things are o.k. now! WHEW!). I stayed for a day and returned to Redding and my mother to find that the smoke in Shasta County wasn't that much better. It feels like the entire North State is on fire!
I left Redding around sunrise, took one last trip to my bridge and hit the road.
The work that all of the emergency personel are putting in blows my mind! The numbers of volunteers and staff working overtime are tremendous and the hearts of those that continue to give astound me.
I have again, been impressed by those I know in the field that, without complaint, give of themselves adn their time, wanting to help out in any way that they can. Wow! Such an amazing group of people.
Anyway, on with the updates....
I left for Redding Friday of last week, but with the Camp fire, returned to make sure Garrett's family was out of the immediate threat zone (some were, others weren't- sorry Sarah, glad things are o.k. now! WHEW!). I stayed for a day and returned to Redding and my mother to find that the smoke in Shasta County wasn't that much better. It feels like the entire North State is on fire!
I left Redding around sunrise, took one last trip to my bridge and hit the road.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Court!!!!
We have a court date! The Ethiopian goverment has scheduled the 30th of July to review our file and approve our request to adopt Ella and Macie! This is huge news, as we were extremely close to the court closure date.
Just to explain, Ethiopia has a summer recess of sorts that shuts the courts down completely between the first week of August and the first or second week of September. During this time, no cases are heard by the courts and any families with referrals are left waiting an added month and a half for court approval. This also extends the wait for travel by the same length of time.
We had received our referral so late in June, that we were fairly certain we would get caught in the closure. When I received word from Kristina yesterday, that we had a court date I was thrilled. Things move in their own time and at their own pace. Our girls could be home as early as September!
As soon as we get word that the court as approved our adoption, I will be sure to post the girls pictures so that you all can see.
I can't believe it- I have so much to do!!!!!
Just to explain, Ethiopia has a summer recess of sorts that shuts the courts down completely between the first week of August and the first or second week of September. During this time, no cases are heard by the courts and any families with referrals are left waiting an added month and a half for court approval. This also extends the wait for travel by the same length of time.
We had received our referral so late in June, that we were fairly certain we would get caught in the closure. When I received word from Kristina yesterday, that we had a court date I was thrilled. Things move in their own time and at their own pace. Our girls could be home as early as September!
As soon as we get word that the court as approved our adoption, I will be sure to post the girls pictures so that you all can see.
I can't believe it- I have so much to do!!!!!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Women In My Life
I am one of the luckiest people that I know. I grew up in a neighborhood where everyone knew one another. The women became close friends and all of their children even closer. It is something that I look back on now as a rarity, even for then. It was suburbia at it's best and I wouldn't have had it any other way.
While there were 6 mother hens on the 4 streets we all lived on, there were at least 14 children that belonged to them and that isn't included the adopted children from streets a bit further away. These 6 women have remained friends for as long as I have been alive and, to this day, still get together to celebrate birthdays, holidays, weddings and life in general. They have loved all of us kids as if we were their own and they have never failed to support us through the mistakes in life, as well as the successes.
This weekend I was privileged enough to feel that strong support and love from them as they celebrated the adoption of our girls from Ethiopia. These women, along with many others of equal importance wrapped their arms around me and gave words of encouragement and blessing that I desperately needed to hear.
I must admit, it is a bit overwhelming all of this transition. The fears that I have about how well I will be able to parent are a bit frightening. I know that the transitions ahead are big ones. I realize that many people think that we are crazy (I have those moments myself), but I also know that timing of everything has never been in my hands. It lies in the grasp of hands far more capable than my own. We have trusted all along that what we need will be provided as we need it and every step of the way, those needs have been provided for. That is what this weekend reminded me of.
To sit in a room with all of these women, with their wisdom, humor and experience was very humbling. I have watched them battle together through joy, pain, love, loss, life and death, being one anothers lifeline through it all. There is a strength that they share, a bond in the knowledge of what it means to be a woman, a tie that connects them all to something bigger. Combined, they are the woman and mother that I hope to be and I have been blessed beyond reason to know them.
I know it sounds cheesy and a bit canned, but honestly, I tell you the truth, they are wonderful people and they gave, as they always do, far beyond any expectation.
Thank you to you all.
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