Lucky Me

I have many wonderful friends who have been so supportive of my adoption and who continue to ask "what's the latest" -- though at times I'm sure some have been afraid to ask! (since it's taken so long...) I really appreciate all of the encouragement and interest, and ALL of the many ways -- big and small -- that you've shown your support. But I haven't talked much about my family (except for my sister -- Julie "Honey Do" Johnston -- that I mentioned in an earlier post). So I must say a few words about them now...

Basically, it's LUCKY ME. I have a brother and two sisters -- Gilliam, Julie, and Sally -- who are the BEST and who were thrilled and excited for me from the moment I shared my news (as well as their in-law counterparts and my favorite niece and nephew). I didn't really expect any less, but it still felt really good to know they were behind me 100%. And it wasn't just "lip service" either: I had hoped that one of them would be willing/able to go with me to China (I need someone!!) -- but it is an expensive, hard, and fairly long trip - to be away from work, family, etc. But right away each one asked, "Do you need someone to go with you??" --(and said with enthusiasm - not trepidation, I might add :) So long story short -- they ALL want to go with me!! Surely China will never be the same! :) (although I suppose we'll fit in well since we all tend to be on the "vertically challenged" side). Of course, this has taken so much longer than it was ever expected to take -- and if you aren't familiar with the international/China adoption process -- you really have no idea WHEN you are traveling until just a few weeks beforehand (maybe a month or two out you have an approximate timeframe). So things happen, and there is that thing called "Work", other conflicts can arise, etc., etc.... so the timing of the trip could possibly affect someone's ability to go... But at this point, we're all still planning and hoping! I've told folks that if they (my siblings) are all able to go with me, I'll be the best prepared adoptive-mom-to-be in the history of China adoption: my sister Julie is a social worker, my brother Gilliam is a family medicine doc -- and my sister Sally is an Episcopal priest! You could not ask for a better "entourage" than that!! :) As I said, lucky me.