[SchmennaLeigh]

Julie,

I'd simply encourage you to ask her, point blank. Questions, especially with basis in compassion, go a long way to show how much we care for those we love.

"Hey, I just wanted to make sure that involving you, if only by information, in all of this extra "stuff" wasn't too much for you to handle. I'm not saying you're not strong enough to handle things but I don't wish for you to have extra worry or pain on account of me."

Or some variation thereof! I know if my own Mother approached me with that statement regarding some issues in our family (I'm not adopted, our family is just having issues re: some stuff) I would be forever grateful and feel touched that she was thinking of me at ALL in the midst of all of this other "stuff."

You're all in my thoughts and prayers right now.