There's always another perspective

I am blessed with being surrounded with amazing people.   People that I learn from all the time and I'm very thankful for their presence in my life.

I received this note from a childhood friend of mine and it really touched me.  Not just because of the raw emotion in her note, but because she took the time to share something so personal and knew that it would help me in my own personal journey.  

She gave me permission to share it.  I have eliminated her name to honor her privacy.  I hope that this touches someone else the way it touched me.

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  I read your beautiful blog post. Happy Gotchya Day! I wanted to send this message privately because it's just for you.

  I AM a birth mother. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my son I placed for adoption over 33 years ago. Each day, I send him light, love, and hope for a happy, fulfilled life. The connection between mother and child is a bond that transcends the laws of the universe.

  About 4 years ago, I had a very vivid dream, just after his 29th birthday. There was a knock at my front door. When I opened the door, there was a young man standing there. He said, "Do you know who I am?" I replied, "Yes, I know who you are." When I woke, I told my husband about this amazing dream. How real it was, and it was my son.

  A few weeks later, I received a letter in the mail from Catholic Charities stating that my son has been looking for me! Since then, it's been an incredible journey. Very emotional as you can imagine. While we haven't yet met face to face, we have communicated through email, FB, and a couple of phone calls over the years.

  I am confident that all will happen in God's time.

  I just wanted to let you know Jenny, that a mother's love is never forgotten and lost. She prays for you, thinks of you, and hopes only for the best life for you....because her love for you will always be connected. She honors your mother and father. She calls the universe to protect you and guide you always. Trust your senses, she may visit you in your dreams.

  Many blessings to you and your family on your journey.

  MY LOVE, M

  
  

  Thank you for sharing this other perspective with me, M!  You are amazing and I so appreciate your note!

  
  

  Love and Joy,

  J

My blood is Kim, but my heart is Bellows.

This blog has primarily been about my journey "home" and the birth parent search that kind of happened in the mix.

But, today I'd like to pay respect and honor the people who are my family. The people who chose me.  The people who have sacrificed for me and the people who have supported me both through my life's celebrations and also my poor decisions.

Happy 39th Adoption Anniversary, John and Bonnie Bellows! 

I can't tell you enough wonderful things about these two people.  

My dad is a balls to the wall get it done kind of man.  He takes Amateur Radio to the next level and is an attorney that I'd never want to face off against in court.  He is the quarterback of debates, a loyal man, and he will stop at nothing to protect his family.  He is passionate about anything he takes on and one of the people I most look up to.

My Mom is one of the kindest women you could come across.  Almost to a fault.  She has the patience of a saint...which is a trait you must have when you marry a Bellows character and teach High School English Lit for as many years as she did.  ;)  She's the kind of grandmother that every kids hopes for and a woman who would care for her sister in her home until her dying day.

You can guess which one I take after most of all... it probably isn't hard to figure out.  But, I know that both of them have helped mold me into the person I am today and I am ever thankful for their love and the life they gave me.  

Beyond that...my extended family (Uncles and Aunts, cousins, my sister) are a mix of a little bit of crazy and a lotta bit of love.  And they've all played a role in who I am today.  I was fortunate enough to have a close knit family and grew up with my cousins...even the ones out of state.  And I am thankful for all of them.

I know that my journey this year has not just been emotional for me...I can imagine it's been emotional for my family is well.  But, hopefully they know that no matter where this search ends and no matter where this journey takes me... My blood is Kim, but my heart is always Bellows.

I love you, Mom and Dad!  Thank you for giving me this wonderful life...

You may think you're the lucky ones, but clearly I was the lucky one. xo

(and Happy Birthday to my little sis, Amy! I love you sweetie!)

(Auntie MJ, Mom, Amy, little me, and Auntie Thea. I'm guessing 1981'ish)