November 21st...Holds Special Meaning

Today, is significant. It's our dear friends' Anna and Mike's wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary, guys!

Today also marks 17 years ago when JD and I went to Six Flagg's Magic Mountain Amusement Park (where we went on our first date 27 years ago when we were in High School...). We took a ride on Collosus (one of the most famous rickety wooden rollercoasters left!) and as we approached the top of the first incline, JD pulled out a diamond ring and proposed marriage to me. It's been a crazy ride ever since but one we keep riding through all the highs and lows and still want to keep on going and going and going.

November 21 is also considered National Adoption Day and November is National Adoption Month. I agree with my friend Amy, though, that it should really be called Inter-National Adoption Day as children await families around the world as well as here in the USA.

Prior to 2007, it's sad to say but we didn't really think about the children awaiting a family as our focus was so heavily weighted on creating our own child. But that has changed. Not only because we completed our family through adoption, but because we saw with our own two eyes the spirit of little children running around so innocently craving for attention and reaching out to be touched. Through their inquisitive looks as we approached the room to pick up Kristina, to the calling out of "Mama, Papa" as we walked by, to the laughter and smiles as we helped them climb up the slide or play on the see-saw ---- these children touched our lives like I never thought was possible.

These children are no different than the children we see daily in our own families or with our friends. Unfortunately, they have been born into a situation that doesn't afford them the ability to grow up in a loving family or a family with means to support them.

We have learned a lot about adoption and have experienced first-hand the rewards that it reaps. JD and I have been blessed beyond what words can express. I can't say "I wish we would have adopted sooner" because we'd be on a different path than we are now and life is great. We were destined to go through what we had to endure until our angel was born and ready for us.

I commend all those who welcome children into their home to enrich their lives and give them love. For those who choose adoption, I hold a special place in my heart.

In honor of the 143 million orphans in the world, I ask you to say a prayer or think a wishful thought that some day, each one will experience love and life to its fullest potential.

If you have two minutes, here is a quick YouTube video: The Facts .

By adopting a child, you cannot change the world. But for that one child, you make a world of difference.*

*I read a version of this phrase on someone's blog but can't find the blog right now to give credit. If it's yours, please let me know!!! :)