Our Ability to Love

When I became a writer/blogger I made a mental note that some things weren't up for discussion or sharing: serious things about my children (unless it was to help someone), hardships and disappointments with family and friends, and any discord with my mate. I wouldn't put my dirty laundry out there for the world. When I've written about things, in regards to my children, I have tried to do it from a place of motherhood and the challenges the job entails, often times from a humorous point of view. Being a parent is never easy. Ever! In the moments when there is heartbreak you feel isolated. In moments of pure joy, you feel elated beyond whatever words can describe the event.Yesterday it became official. Our (almost three year old) was officially adopted. We've been on this long process of making her ours since she was 5 months old. It's a bitter sweet story. It's one of complete joy in one hand and sadness in another. After raising 6 kids, one of my daughters from Romania had this baby girl. She is not mentally stable. She has serious mental health issues and lost this sweet addition to the family. Incredible how one moment of joy can transform into something so deeply heartbreaking within a short time.Motherhood is who I am. I knew from early on in my childhood that I wanted a house full of children. My family was small. I wanted a big one. At the age of 10 I would say that I was going to have my own biological kids and lots of adopted ones. My mother frowned on this. I think she expected me to "outgrow" this notion.When I was 18 years old the show 20/20 did a segment on Romanian orphanages. I had just gotten married and I made a comment of this to my then-husband. I was heartbroken, crying like a baby, watching the images of this segment. I told him that I had to help. He told me he didn't agree with adoption. I was told that I could possibly never have children. I wanted to get on that quickly. I was born with some major issues in my female reproductive organs...but my tenacity and faith truly showed those ovaries who was in charged. By the time I was 22 I had two sweet boys, a divorce behind me, and the world ahead to possibly change the lives of one child. By the time I was 29 I knew I was ready to make that dream come true. My first little girl arrived on my 30th birthday (cause that's the way God works with me). She was 2-1/2 y/o. The following year I adopted a little boy who was four and a few months later a little 9 year-old girl, and an 11-1/2 year-old young lady.I will not share the struggles that arrive with caring for older children. I will not list the issues that came up with having that many kids under one roof. I believe that laughter and lots of prayers help us all cope with the wonderful experiences. But, I will share this: every single one of my kiddos has taught me some major powerful lessons. Each one has enriched me with love, patience, compassion and the understanding that we all have a purpose here. I don't know who I would be if I wasn't a mother. I can't imagine another career more soul-fully connected to growth, spiritual connections, and love.When Kali arrived into our home, and hearts, my youngest was graduating high school. At the age of 45 I restarted my career of loving, patience, and compassion. I had to come to terms that my then-plans would be altered. My husband and I are truly blessed. He didn't have children of his own. To witness the love between this child and her daddy...oh my gawd...makes your heart melt. I promise it's sometimes Hallmark moments.I woke today with gratitude. When her social worker informed me yesterday that she was finally ours, I sobbed at work. I was overcome with so many emotions. I felt the elation of finality and the sadness of completion for my daughter (Kali's mother) who can't be in her life at this moment. I have to continue being her mother and protecting this child as well. It's not a fun balancing act. At times, in solitude, it tears me apart knowing I cannot be all to all of them. I cannot be Super Mom! But those are my lessons. They are there for the evolution and expansion of my soul.I am no saint. I am often one giant hot mess. I make some amazing delicious over-the-top mistakes. I am as simple and common as they come. I am just trying to live the most beautiful lifetime while knowing that because of me, seven children, have experienced love and laughter.We are all connected. May you find yourself reaching out to another who needs it. It's in the small things. You don't have to adopt a child or an animal or a family. You can just be there for another. You have the ability to be good, do good and create good. It's all about humanity. We all have that extra oomph of DNA that expands with giving love. We have a tremendous ability to love one another. It's called altruism.It's the holidays. Please gift yourself the most loving present of giving and seeing the world change one soul at a time because you were PRESENT in someone's life. A cup of coffee, a gentle touch, a freaking delicious smile, a scarf and jacket, or anything that can give a stranger the ability to recognize they matter. It's really THAT simple. You matter. I matter. We all matter on this melting pot of awesomeness we get to call home.I don't know another way to live. I don't know another way to forgive. I don't know another way to love. It might not be right, but it also isn't wrong. So...join me, darlings, in the ability to give of yourself to those in need.  There are so many folks out there feeling the stings of loss and destitution.I love you! Yes...you! Even if we aren't friends anymore. Even if we are strangers. Even if we have had issues. Even if our time was short and sweet. We are in this together. Hugs!Happy Holidays! We got an early Christmas present. And...nothing can beat these moments!