[stephjoel99]

I have met or "met" so many women during our adoption - people I would probably not ever meet in real life otherwise. People who are from a completely different place either geographically, religously or politically (some are all 3!) Some of these people are like family to me now. And I'm so blessed that not only do I have this amazing kid, I also have these amazing friends that I know I would never have had, but for the adoption experience.

But despite our differences - and because of this commonality we share through adoption - many of us can look past differences that would normally separate us and see that we really are all very alike when it comes right down to it.

And hopefully we can see the other side with a new set of eyes because maybe we're seeing them from someone else's perspective (someone we've grown to really care about). Not that we have to agree, but that we can appreciate where they are coming from.

The thing is - we all love our kids. We fought hard to get them home and when we were (or are) going through a rough patch in our adoption, we could have cared less if Paris Hilton were the president b/c all that mattered when it got down to brass tacks was our family.

No matter who you vote for in November, we have experienced something that not many people have. And through this forum we have supported each other - cheering for each other during the good times, crying with each other during the bad, and even mourning for each other during times of great loss.

The other stuff is important, but our families are what brought us together. And I'm feeling schmoopy so I wanted to throw that out there today. :-)

Group hug!!

[SKL]

I remember (through a vague cloud) the adoption process, and how much I was learning the whole time. I was so psyched, because I truly love learning, and this process opened up a huge new world to me. Adoption laws in multiple jurisdictions, the international controversies, the country of Guatemala, the special needs and concerns of adoptees, and yes, the community of people who adopt, particularly from Guatemala. It's been the best experience of my life, other than bringing up my girls!

[Mindybeth6]

I agree with all you have to say. I know a lot of poeple have been in "attack mode" lately but I felt comfortable sharing my views here. Why? Because a lot of you know me on a first name basis and a lot of you have met me in person. Therefore, I felt like I could openly say how I felt without people thinking "oh, nevermind, she feels THAT way!? Well then she is no longer my friend." Many of you know who I am as an individual, not as a XXX political party supporter. And while yes, some of you may feel that way, I don't think the majority of you do, and that is awesome. And that bring me to the point that I love adoption. For many reasons, one of which I have met so many amazing people I would have never met. I didn't just build my family through adoption, I built friendships as well. Lasting friendships with amazing people.

And that's just amazing to me

[Saya]

Right back at you!!

[angel_bayou]

HUGS to everyone on the forum!!! I too have really enjoyed getting to know a lot of you and sharing my adoption experiences as well as my mission work in Guatemala!! It feels good to have a place to come back to and get the support you need no matter what the situation is!! Now let's get back to business!!

[Slatond10]

Group hug back!

Very well put!

[Travelkid]

Well said and I agree whole-heartedly

[AngelQT]

WOW... I get in on the hugs...

But, I think I missed something... But then again... I am always clueless~

Hugs

[momofmng]

Amen, soul sister! Big huge hugs back!!

Sarah

[mommytoEli]

Originally Posted by Mindybeth6

one of which I have met so many amazing people I would have never met. I didn't just build my family through adoption, I built friendships as well. Lasting friendships with amazing people.

And that's just amazing to me

i still remember meeting mindy on the marriott bus. i met so many other people on that same trip, so many people here that shared an agency with me, then my husband met more of you on on another trip, and now some of you are even my neighbors. i can not believe how many friends i have made because of eli's adoption. that is awesome

[Justhavfaith]

I'm sure that I'm not going to be able to articulate my full thoughts on this one.

I love adoption because it has added to or changed everything that I thought that I knew about the world before and has given me a glimpse of something much bigger.

[OpenThemAll]

Originally Posted by Justhavfaith

I love adoption because it has added to or changed everything that I thought that I knew about the world before and has given me a glimpse of something much bigger.

I agree completely. I'm just not the same person I was 3 years ago. My eyes have been opened to the world outside my sheltered life, and now I just can't go back to the way things were before.

[Larue]

Ah sweet Stephanie. Are you trying to heal my heart?! I have been discouraged by recent threads on the forum. I do realize that we're changing. And evolving. Our focus is changing away from "the process". And the old days of supporting each other through a little thing callled PGN. It's just so hard for me to let go. I miss the old days. Do you remember the referral threads?! It's a BOY!!!! It's a GIRL!!! How joyous those were. I miss them so much. Hugs to you my friend for keeping me in!

p.s. I have never met Mindy in person. But I love her all the same. She, and her lovely mother, got me through some really dark days in my journey to my precious girl. And in the end. That is all that matters. Peace to all!!!