Love is an incredible thing. Its ability to bring people together is beautiful. Today, I had the honor of witnessing one of the best women I know became mom #2 to two strong, smart, and beautiful little girls. This family’s story is one of unconditional love and understanding, and the most amazing thing about them is that every single bit of their bond was a choice. Four souls, not bound by blood, have made the choice to love one another. Their bond is unbreakable.
“Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone, but still miraculously my own. Never forget for a single minute, you didn’t grow under my heart but in it. ” – Fleur Conkling Heyliger
“When I met the girls I was so nervous. I remember buying them candy to try and make an instant connection. I knew I wanted to know them, but I didn’t know after that first day they would instantly be born in my heart. I can’t explain the feeling, I instantly fell in love with them and my life never went back to normal that day forward. In those first moments I knew what they had been through just briefly going through the foster care system, and I just had this desire to be a stable presence in their life forever. I never knew Cari would be so brave to give me a chance to co-parent. Although I was last to make my way to the girls they never made me feel like I wasn’t there with them the whole way. Fast forward 7 years and I am blessed to be welcomed as their official Mom 2. I love our lack of fear in doing this the way we want to and the way God wants them done, even if it is not traditional.”
“Adoption carries the added dimension of connection not only to your own tribe but beyond, widening the scope of what constitutes love, ties, and family. It is the larger embrace.” -Isabella Rossellini
