"After all, aren't there hundreds, even thousands of children here in the United States just waiting for a loving family to take care of them?"
If I had a dollar for every time I have heard this, I would be a rich woman. In fact, some people are downright offended at the thought of us daring to take care of another country's child before adopting one of "our own." And don't get me started on the term "our own."
Wow.
I never dreamed that when deciding to blog on this topic my mind would be swirling so quickly that I honestly do NOT know where to start. But let's start here: This particular topic is really much bigger than just international adoption. Its so much more than that, when you get to the root of what people are actually saying when they make comments like the one I mentioned. I guess I'll just start with this little nugget to ponder...
Isn't a person, a person? What exactly determines WHO is worthy of love, compassion and care? Oh...its GEOGRAPHY! (See how silly that sounds?) And here is where I really get frustrated...there are a LOT of folks who are negative about international adoption who are Christians. Let me go here again....by definition a Christian is a "Christ follower." Newsflash: Jesus was not from the United States. I don't think He ever mentioned taking care of just "our own" when He implored us to care for orphans and widows. In fact, He even commanded us to love our enemies but I can't go there in this blog.
So yeah, I think we can rule out the thought that we are to only adopt from the United States when we look at things from a Christian perspective.
But what about the social and political twists and turns that seem to pop up?
Well, maybe we should check the facts. This IS the United States. We don't have children lying in orphanages unable to get antibiotics and suffering needlessly. We have a system where NO CHILD has to go hungry. We have foster care, welfare, food stamps, medicaid, free lunch and more. Like it or not, that is our country. I am not saying that no child DOES go hungry. But we all know that issues like that are much more complicated. Usually there are family problems that adoption will not solve. Truth is, we have waiting lists in this country to adopt a baby. There are more prospective parents than there are babies available. And before you bring the "there are plenty of older children available" logic, let me just give my two cents on that...
Not everyone is equipped to deal with some of the challenges that come with adopting an older child. Does that mean I am against older child adoption? NO WAY! I just believe in my heart that those who feel led to go that route, do.
So what to do if you are NOT in the position to handle the challenges of an older child? And, oh by the way....there are THOUSANDS of children in other countries in need of a home. I would imagine you might consider international adoption. This is only my thought process. I know for a fact that many other families that I know that have adopted internationally have very different means of coming to their decision. My point is this...
Families that adopt have many different reasons for going the route they go, whether domestic or international. For our family, in particular, it was the right decision. We had suffered the loss of TWO stillborn babies before deciding to adopt. Our little Indira was waiting for us in Kazakhstan. We needed her as much as she needed us...which brings me to this:
Most families I know that chose international adoption have felt the peace and direction of God throughout their decision making. It wasn't about skipping off to some other country to buy a baby. It was about feeling led to love a child that was out there somewhere. For us, Kazakhstan first, and then here in Indiana.
But to go back to the political thing....
I hate to do this. Really, I do.
But when are we going to realize that we as Americans are no more entitled to life than anyone else? Since when are we the chosen nation? Why should we take care of "our own" before taking care of ANYONE ELSE? I understand supporting your economy. Buy American! Sure....there has to be a level of support in order to thrive economically. But come on people! These are human lives! A child who happened to be planted in another country is no less worthy of love and care than one who happens to be planted in the US! As a HUMAN, we should celebrate any time a child finds a family, regardless of GEOGRAPHY!
I'm afraid that this level of superiority, elitism, if you will, separates us. Your brothers and sisters in Christ are not just American!
So now, I will step down from my soap box. It doesn't happen often...this frustrated, almost angry type of post! But every once in a while, I have to just get it off my chest. Purge my feelings and hope that while my intent is not to just change everyone's mind to match mine...I can at least give another perspective. You may disagree with me, still. But maybe you can at least TOLERATE another viewpoint after reading my thoughts!
Until next time....here's to celebrating not just diversity, but actually the things that are the same between us!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The Fire Diaries: Part 3...It happened, we snapped!
I think its kind of comical that I pride myself on keeping a positive attitude in the midst of a whole lot of negative going on around me. The reason its funny is because ANYTIME you PRIDE yourself on anything, chances are you are going to get a lesson taught at some point. Hmm, what do I mean....well, here:
I have said it. Felt it. Lived it. Positive thinking during the times of negative "stuff." I make it my mantra to find the good in times of adversity. To see the cup as half-full. I am a die-hard, self-proclaimed, to the point of annoying sometimes, OPTIMIST. I hate focusing on the negative and I refuse to let ANYTHING get me down. Or so I thought.
Yesterday, I lost it. I mean, kind of went a little nutty even. Loco.
I have this pet peeve of people yelling at their kids in front of people. I just kind of think, its your business, not mine. I don't want to hear you scream at the top of your lungs at your kids, and am pretty sure you don't want to hear me, either. I would classify myself as a closet yeller. I try not raise my voice. It happens. BUT....not out in the front yard for the neighbors to hear. Now, my husband, on the other hand....
He is one of those "I am not trying to impress anyone, so why should I pretend I don't yell at my kids" kind of people. If something the kids are doing warrants something stronger than a "now kids....," chances are, he will raise his voice. And he is much more of a disciplinarian than I am. But yesterday. Oh, yesterday. The kids were pushing us BOTH to our limits. They were arguing over EVERYTHING. Just bickering. Finally, after arguing while trying to play basketball, I said, "That's it. Go clean out the van. There is plenty to do for both of you. If you can't get along while playing, let's just work then." Now. Did I really think cleaning out the van would magically make them start to get along? Who knows. I was desperate. We were out at our house TRYING to clean up the yard and simultaneously do a few loads of laundry with my washer and dryer. Surprise, surprise. The arguing begins again. This time, PJ is riding by on the tractor and sees it. He kind of went a little overboard. The next thing I know, I am in the backyard and I can hear him yelling at the kids. Loud! It had to be loud for the kids to hear him over the tractor. I turn to look next door and who is outside? Of course. Our neighbors are out front. With company. Do I have to even say anymore? You already know that I lost it. He lost it with the kids. Now I am losing it with him.
I just grabbed my keys. Shut the hatch on the van. Told the kids to buckle up. This whole time PJ is staring at me like I am crazy. I think I had some choice words. I won't repeat those. I know they were quiet, though! (Not so quiet that PJ couldn't hear!) I do remember saying something like, "I can't believe you would yell at the kids that loud and embarrass me like that! They are outside! They have company! I am the school secretary and they are on the school board! People are probably going to start talking about me!!!!"
Now. I am just cracking up about this today. But at the time, it made perfect sense to get that upset. First of all, PJ isn't abusive or anything. But yeah...he's a yeller. Not the most patient guy in the world. But neither am I! I am not about to start calling the kettle black!!! There really is no reason whatsoever for me to get that upset. Except the fact that...he knows it bugs me. We have had the conversation more than once about yelling at the kids outside. I guess I just felt like maybe he didn't care how I felt about it, so he did it anyway. Who knows. All I know is that I was mad. He was mad. And I drove off in my van and told him to call me when he was ready to be picked up.
Could it be...by chance....maybe....
We are stressed?!?! Maybe our fuses are little shorter than normal? We may just be a little more short-tempered right now. Due to stress. Lack of sleep.
Sooooo, the negative HAS gotten to me, hasn't it?
Today, I am just thinking about how every time we think we have something conquered, we seem to get a gentle reminder. I will continue to think positive thoughts and see the good in everything. Look for the silver lining. BUT. I do want to watch myself. I don't want my words to be empty. I want to mean what I say. Walk the walk. Practice what I preach!
Until next time....LOWER YOUR VOICE!!!!!!! (Ha, ha, ha!!!)
I have said it. Felt it. Lived it. Positive thinking during the times of negative "stuff." I make it my mantra to find the good in times of adversity. To see the cup as half-full. I am a die-hard, self-proclaimed, to the point of annoying sometimes, OPTIMIST. I hate focusing on the negative and I refuse to let ANYTHING get me down. Or so I thought.
Yesterday, I lost it. I mean, kind of went a little nutty even. Loco.
I have this pet peeve of people yelling at their kids in front of people. I just kind of think, its your business, not mine. I don't want to hear you scream at the top of your lungs at your kids, and am pretty sure you don't want to hear me, either. I would classify myself as a closet yeller. I try not raise my voice. It happens. BUT....not out in the front yard for the neighbors to hear. Now, my husband, on the other hand....
He is one of those "I am not trying to impress anyone, so why should I pretend I don't yell at my kids" kind of people. If something the kids are doing warrants something stronger than a "now kids....," chances are, he will raise his voice. And he is much more of a disciplinarian than I am. But yesterday. Oh, yesterday. The kids were pushing us BOTH to our limits. They were arguing over EVERYTHING. Just bickering. Finally, after arguing while trying to play basketball, I said, "That's it. Go clean out the van. There is plenty to do for both of you. If you can't get along while playing, let's just work then." Now. Did I really think cleaning out the van would magically make them start to get along? Who knows. I was desperate. We were out at our house TRYING to clean up the yard and simultaneously do a few loads of laundry with my washer and dryer. Surprise, surprise. The arguing begins again. This time, PJ is riding by on the tractor and sees it. He kind of went a little overboard. The next thing I know, I am in the backyard and I can hear him yelling at the kids. Loud! It had to be loud for the kids to hear him over the tractor. I turn to look next door and who is outside? Of course. Our neighbors are out front. With company. Do I have to even say anymore? You already know that I lost it. He lost it with the kids. Now I am losing it with him.
I just grabbed my keys. Shut the hatch on the van. Told the kids to buckle up. This whole time PJ is staring at me like I am crazy. I think I had some choice words. I won't repeat those. I know they were quiet, though! (Not so quiet that PJ couldn't hear!) I do remember saying something like, "I can't believe you would yell at the kids that loud and embarrass me like that! They are outside! They have company! I am the school secretary and they are on the school board! People are probably going to start talking about me!!!!"
Now. I am just cracking up about this today. But at the time, it made perfect sense to get that upset. First of all, PJ isn't abusive or anything. But yeah...he's a yeller. Not the most patient guy in the world. But neither am I! I am not about to start calling the kettle black!!! There really is no reason whatsoever for me to get that upset. Except the fact that...he knows it bugs me. We have had the conversation more than once about yelling at the kids outside. I guess I just felt like maybe he didn't care how I felt about it, so he did it anyway. Who knows. All I know is that I was mad. He was mad. And I drove off in my van and told him to call me when he was ready to be picked up.
Could it be...by chance....maybe....
We are stressed?!?! Maybe our fuses are little shorter than normal? We may just be a little more short-tempered right now. Due to stress. Lack of sleep.
Sooooo, the negative HAS gotten to me, hasn't it?
Today, I am just thinking about how every time we think we have something conquered, we seem to get a gentle reminder. I will continue to think positive thoughts and see the good in everything. Look for the silver lining. BUT. I do want to watch myself. I don't want my words to be empty. I want to mean what I say. Walk the walk. Practice what I preach!
Until next time....LOWER YOUR VOICE!!!!!!! (Ha, ha, ha!!!)
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Fire Diaries: Part 2...Inside out and upside down
Well. To say the very, very least, I feel out of sorts. To state that uprooting your family from their home and sticking them in a small apartment is inconvenient is the understatement of the year. Yet, I STILL feel so ungrateful for complaining about anything when it comes to our house fire. I feel as if complaining about how inconvenient everything has been seems as if I am ungrateful for what I DO have. Food in our bellies. Roof over our head. Warmth. Shelter. Everything we NEED. Its just that the line between WANT and NEED is so very, very fine. Sometimes I don't know where that line is. Its invisible or something. "I NEED new shoes. I NEED a new purse. I NEED to get my hair done." I could go on. And on.
But really. I just NEED to vent! This apartment is driving me nuts! Its small, yes. But oh my gosh. Its not the cleanest thing in the world. The kids' feet were dirty and I realized its the carpet. Wow. That's just gross. There are 4. Yes, 4. 4 washcloths. 6 towels. The sheets keep slipping off of the mattress. (Ewww.) And I am not sleeping worth a crap. The bed is not comfortable. I wake up so tired still from the night before that I don't know what I am doing. What do I mean? Let me tell you....
Last night, I went to take off my bra to get my jammies on. I could NOT find the hook. What in the world? Why can't I get my bra OFF? As I am wrestling with myself and twisting my arms in ways behind my back that I didn't know was possible, I cannot figure out why I can't unhook my bra. Then it came to me. My bra was on inside out. The hooks were on the inside and I could not figure out how to unhook them. Now, don't ask me HOW I got it on in the first place. I have no idea. But, I do know this: I am NOT myself right now. Not my schedule. My routine. Its ALL off! Who knows if anyone could see my bra tag through my white blouse. Maybe! Oh well...They probably got to see my generic Fruit of the Loom bra that I had to buy at Walmart the other day to give myself a few extras while I was rewashing ALL of my other underclothes!
Point is...life just kind of FEELS inside out. Or upside down. Something. Not our "norm." I wish I could be a little more laid back about it and not notice my little inconveniences. But the truth is, its hard to be uprooted from your home with your family regardless of how lucky you are that it wasn't worse! It does put some interesting things into perspective for me, though. I have thought a lot about other fire victims, (what I would consider "real fire" victims!) flood victims, even those affected by Katrina. I still praise God each day that things weren't worse.
But....I am allowing myself to acknowledge that this whole mess has been difficult. Its o.k. to be a little out of sorts. Its o.k. that I don't have it 100% together right now. I am realizing that the important thing for me to focus on is PROGRESS. I don't have to guilt myself into making this "not a big deal." But I also don't have to focus on all of the inconveniences, either.
Until next time...just forward!
But really. I just NEED to vent! This apartment is driving me nuts! Its small, yes. But oh my gosh. Its not the cleanest thing in the world. The kids' feet were dirty and I realized its the carpet. Wow. That's just gross. There are 4. Yes, 4. 4 washcloths. 6 towels. The sheets keep slipping off of the mattress. (Ewww.) And I am not sleeping worth a crap. The bed is not comfortable. I wake up so tired still from the night before that I don't know what I am doing. What do I mean? Let me tell you....
Last night, I went to take off my bra to get my jammies on. I could NOT find the hook. What in the world? Why can't I get my bra OFF? As I am wrestling with myself and twisting my arms in ways behind my back that I didn't know was possible, I cannot figure out why I can't unhook my bra. Then it came to me. My bra was on inside out. The hooks were on the inside and I could not figure out how to unhook them. Now, don't ask me HOW I got it on in the first place. I have no idea. But, I do know this: I am NOT myself right now. Not my schedule. My routine. Its ALL off! Who knows if anyone could see my bra tag through my white blouse. Maybe! Oh well...They probably got to see my generic Fruit of the Loom bra that I had to buy at Walmart the other day to give myself a few extras while I was rewashing ALL of my other underclothes!
Point is...life just kind of FEELS inside out. Or upside down. Something. Not our "norm." I wish I could be a little more laid back about it and not notice my little inconveniences. But the truth is, its hard to be uprooted from your home with your family regardless of how lucky you are that it wasn't worse! It does put some interesting things into perspective for me, though. I have thought a lot about other fire victims, (what I would consider "real fire" victims!) flood victims, even those affected by Katrina. I still praise God each day that things weren't worse.
But....I am allowing myself to acknowledge that this whole mess has been difficult. Its o.k. to be a little out of sorts. Its o.k. that I don't have it 100% together right now. I am realizing that the important thing for me to focus on is PROGRESS. I don't have to guilt myself into making this "not a big deal." But I also don't have to focus on all of the inconveniences, either.
Until next time...just forward!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
The Fire Diaries: Part 1
I can't believe it has taken me this long to actually sit down to blog about our recent drama. If you know me AT ALL, you know that I feel compelled to purge any significant, or insignificant information almost as soon as it happens! I ramble on and on about the most mundane topics, yet, I can't seem to find the words to even describe our most recent events. Its only now, that our little two-bedroom apartment we are calling home is empty, that I even feel like trying. Since I know my rarely read blog is more for my own therapy than the entertainment of others, I really feel like I need to get it all off of my chest, so to speak. So, I guess, here goes....
Last week, (and I don't think I even know the day....maybe Tuesday?) our house caught on fire. If you have already heard the story, this may get boring. But, like I said before, its really more for me! (And the sake of just documenting it for future reference!) On Sunday, my sister and I decided that my Grandma Shaw was past due for a visit. We had been trying to make time to see her separately and failed, so we thought if we planned it together we would actually follow through this time. We were going to see Grandma at the nursing home on Tuesday, after the kids and I got out of school. That day, I talked to my sister a couple of times on the phone and mentioned that if, by chance, she ended up running a little early, she could just meet me at the school. Since our school is right off of the exit, she wouldn't have to drive very far into town and I didn't mind bringing her back when we finished. But, this was kind of funny in itself. She NEVER runs early. We even chuckled a little when we said that, knowing the chances were slim to none that she would even be on time! But, to our surprise, she did run early! In fact, I even asked my principal if I could cut out about 15 minutes early to head on over to the nursing home since we had just found out that Grandma eats dinner at 5:00 in the dining room. I hated to spend the entire time just watching her eat! Of course, my understanding principal agreed to the 15 minutes and the plan was taking shape. Now we were leaving at 3:15 and heading to Grandma's.
When my sister arrived, we were spot on with our timing. Kids were with us and we were in the car a little past 3:15. And then the story took the turn that probably made the difference between my house still standing and being completely burnt to the ground. Lisa asked to stop and get the last Twilight book from me! She had read all of the others and was ready to end her series with "Breaking Dawn." Since we were doing so great on time and I hated to forget on the way back, I agreed to run into the house and get the book. The kids and my sister were not even coming into the house.
When I arrived home, Lisa noticed smoke coming off of our roof. I don't remember noticing that. All I remember is pushing the garage door opener and smoke coming out as the door raised. I can't describe my feelings other than saying exactly what kept going through my mind. "What the....What in the world? What the....." I walked over to the door that entered the house and put my hand on it to see if it was hot. When the door felt normal, I felt safe to open the door. So much smoke. I couldn't see a thing. There was no way in the world I was going to risk entering my house when I could barely see. I turned around and told my sister to call 911. At that point, I was worried that if it was something minor, I would waste the time of the firefighters and feel silly for calling. But how in the world would I know if I was too scared to go look???
I guess this was one of those times that I would just have to trust my instinct. And my instinct told me to leave it to the pros! By nature, I am a chicken, anyway. I wear my seat-belt. Don't really speed. Wear my life-jacket in a boat. Is that nerdy? I'm a safety girl. I don't want to do anything that could potentially cause me any type of pain whatsoever! Entering my burning house included.
When all 5 firetrucks arrived along with the ambulance, I think the reality started to sink in. My house was on fire. There is no way to ever, ever expect something like this. It comes out of nowhere. When I woke up that morning, I had my day planned and it looked NOTHING like how it turned out. Shortly after the firemen arrived, they came out and took axes back in. My sister looked as frightened as I did and said, "They just took axes into your house." I was so nervous. And then....
Then my neighbors came over. I barely know them. I have met them all of maybe 2 times in my 3 years of living in the house. They came to see if I wanted the kids to come over to their house to play instead of being right there in front of everything. I had not even thought about how scary it must have been for them. My mind was in task mode and had not allowed me to get emotional until the dreaded axes were taken in to the house! So, the kids left, which was a great idea. And then....
PJ came walking through the yard. He had made it home from Fishers in a very short time. He probably should not repeat how quickly he drove home. But he was here now and I knew things would be ok. And then....
My principal, who I had called at one point, showed up. I guess in the midst of all of it, I was worried about missing work the next day and felt terrible that I would have to call in. I kept thinking that maybe if I tell them early, they can find someone to work for me. So, he shows up to check on us. And then....
My mother in law, who PJ had called, came. For the past several years, she had directed Disaster Services and has seen hundreds of homes on fire. Never in a million years had she thought she would come to the fire scene of her own son's house burning. But, she was there. And for some reason, this completely comforted me.
I guess seeing those that care come to your rescue is some sort of medicine or something. Because, truly, I felt completely encouraged and strengthened by our visitors. My sister at my side. My neighbors with my kids. My mother in law right there with us. My boss, even! Later that night, I was surrounded in love by my other two siblings and my sister in law and father in law as well. Words just can't describe how much that means to me.
That night as I went to bed in our hotel, I realized something. I learned a lesson during my own drama that I couldn't have ever learned had this not all happened. From now on, I want to be that person. The "doer." The one who actually shows up in a time of crisis. I look back on my life and yes...I try to be a good person. But, I wouldn't consider myself to be the person who is right there in a time of need. I want to be better at that. I often have good intentions, but I rarely follow through.
Over the next couple of days, more "doers" appeared. My sister in law showed up and took the kids the next day. I had countless people offer to help with the kids on other days, someone showed up at our house with clothes for our kids and one family put together a basket of toys. And it continues...
To end "Part 1" of my series, let me just say this. Our damage was minimal in comparison to other house fires. I am overwhelmed by the love shown by people I never expected to surface in a time of crisis. And most importantly, this will be a defining moment in my life, I am sure. Stay tuned for more insight. I feel like the lessons learned are invaluable. Impossible to describe...but I won't stop trying!
Last week, (and I don't think I even know the day....maybe Tuesday?) our house caught on fire. If you have already heard the story, this may get boring. But, like I said before, its really more for me! (And the sake of just documenting it for future reference!) On Sunday, my sister and I decided that my Grandma Shaw was past due for a visit. We had been trying to make time to see her separately and failed, so we thought if we planned it together we would actually follow through this time. We were going to see Grandma at the nursing home on Tuesday, after the kids and I got out of school. That day, I talked to my sister a couple of times on the phone and mentioned that if, by chance, she ended up running a little early, she could just meet me at the school. Since our school is right off of the exit, she wouldn't have to drive very far into town and I didn't mind bringing her back when we finished. But, this was kind of funny in itself. She NEVER runs early. We even chuckled a little when we said that, knowing the chances were slim to none that she would even be on time! But, to our surprise, she did run early! In fact, I even asked my principal if I could cut out about 15 minutes early to head on over to the nursing home since we had just found out that Grandma eats dinner at 5:00 in the dining room. I hated to spend the entire time just watching her eat! Of course, my understanding principal agreed to the 15 minutes and the plan was taking shape. Now we were leaving at 3:15 and heading to Grandma's.
When my sister arrived, we were spot on with our timing. Kids were with us and we were in the car a little past 3:15. And then the story took the turn that probably made the difference between my house still standing and being completely burnt to the ground. Lisa asked to stop and get the last Twilight book from me! She had read all of the others and was ready to end her series with "Breaking Dawn." Since we were doing so great on time and I hated to forget on the way back, I agreed to run into the house and get the book. The kids and my sister were not even coming into the house.
When I arrived home, Lisa noticed smoke coming off of our roof. I don't remember noticing that. All I remember is pushing the garage door opener and smoke coming out as the door raised. I can't describe my feelings other than saying exactly what kept going through my mind. "What the....What in the world? What the....." I walked over to the door that entered the house and put my hand on it to see if it was hot. When the door felt normal, I felt safe to open the door. So much smoke. I couldn't see a thing. There was no way in the world I was going to risk entering my house when I could barely see. I turned around and told my sister to call 911. At that point, I was worried that if it was something minor, I would waste the time of the firefighters and feel silly for calling. But how in the world would I know if I was too scared to go look???
I guess this was one of those times that I would just have to trust my instinct. And my instinct told me to leave it to the pros! By nature, I am a chicken, anyway. I wear my seat-belt. Don't really speed. Wear my life-jacket in a boat. Is that nerdy? I'm a safety girl. I don't want to do anything that could potentially cause me any type of pain whatsoever! Entering my burning house included.
When all 5 firetrucks arrived along with the ambulance, I think the reality started to sink in. My house was on fire. There is no way to ever, ever expect something like this. It comes out of nowhere. When I woke up that morning, I had my day planned and it looked NOTHING like how it turned out. Shortly after the firemen arrived, they came out and took axes back in. My sister looked as frightened as I did and said, "They just took axes into your house." I was so nervous. And then....
Then my neighbors came over. I barely know them. I have met them all of maybe 2 times in my 3 years of living in the house. They came to see if I wanted the kids to come over to their house to play instead of being right there in front of everything. I had not even thought about how scary it must have been for them. My mind was in task mode and had not allowed me to get emotional until the dreaded axes were taken in to the house! So, the kids left, which was a great idea. And then....
PJ came walking through the yard. He had made it home from Fishers in a very short time. He probably should not repeat how quickly he drove home. But he was here now and I knew things would be ok. And then....
My principal, who I had called at one point, showed up. I guess in the midst of all of it, I was worried about missing work the next day and felt terrible that I would have to call in. I kept thinking that maybe if I tell them early, they can find someone to work for me. So, he shows up to check on us. And then....
My mother in law, who PJ had called, came. For the past several years, she had directed Disaster Services and has seen hundreds of homes on fire. Never in a million years had she thought she would come to the fire scene of her own son's house burning. But, she was there. And for some reason, this completely comforted me.
I guess seeing those that care come to your rescue is some sort of medicine or something. Because, truly, I felt completely encouraged and strengthened by our visitors. My sister at my side. My neighbors with my kids. My mother in law right there with us. My boss, even! Later that night, I was surrounded in love by my other two siblings and my sister in law and father in law as well. Words just can't describe how much that means to me.
That night as I went to bed in our hotel, I realized something. I learned a lesson during my own drama that I couldn't have ever learned had this not all happened. From now on, I want to be that person. The "doer." The one who actually shows up in a time of crisis. I look back on my life and yes...I try to be a good person. But, I wouldn't consider myself to be the person who is right there in a time of need. I want to be better at that. I often have good intentions, but I rarely follow through.
Over the next couple of days, more "doers" appeared. My sister in law showed up and took the kids the next day. I had countless people offer to help with the kids on other days, someone showed up at our house with clothes for our kids and one family put together a basket of toys. And it continues...
To end "Part 1" of my series, let me just say this. Our damage was minimal in comparison to other house fires. I am overwhelmed by the love shown by people I never expected to surface in a time of crisis. And most importantly, this will be a defining moment in my life, I am sure. Stay tuned for more insight. I feel like the lessons learned are invaluable. Impossible to describe...but I won't stop trying!
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