You have always been a leader ever since I have known you. You make choices that are the best for people, even if they are difficult. I don’t know what I can offer you now but my confidence that you always did your best to find a way through whatever came your way.

Mother Theresa said,”I know God doesn’t give me anything that I cannot handle although I sometimes wish he didn’t trust me so much.” You always have my support. If it helps you work things out with your family, I am certainly another resource for you. All I can say is that I was a high-school friend of yours that always prayed things would work out. Although we were confused and scared about the future, your classmates *always* knew you would make the most unselfish decisions under the circumstances. Your decisions and growth inspired me then, and they still do today. It has shaped the way I feel and helped me understand the kind of parent I hope to be.

When I saw you and Mallory right before our 10th reunion, I was thankful that she grew into a person like you. It was obvious to me that she could appreciate the kind of incredible woman her mother is. It is one of those points in your life when you know your hopes and prayers have been answered by someone upstairs.

I think your kids don’t seem like this is that much of an issue for them because they have such a strong sense of the way you care for them and couldn’t imagine you doing anything other than what was best for one of your children.

Kelly, keep up the good work. You have a perspective that is all your own at this point. It is also the experience you bring to your career as an assistant principal that understands your students at a much deeper level.

Your blogging is so good because it is so real. Our writing instructors always told us to, “Write what you know.” It makes everything so much better. This same thing is true for Blues artists–”If you aint lived it, you can’t perform it.”.

Keep your girls blogging and writing. Not only is it healthy, they have to use their gifts. It is another way that we can show them that people care about them. We need more strong women in the world. You have two great candidates that you can call your daughters.

Specifically she’s asked:
* what was she doing when she went into labor,
* was her first dad there when she was born,
* did it take a long time,
* what did it feel like to hold brand-new baby her,
* was she happy that she was born or was she sad because she knew her time being the everyday mommy was coming to an end,
* did it hurt,
* did she get medications to make her legs and body fall asleep (epidural),
* how long was she in the hospital,
* was it hard to let her go to her new parents?

And, the kicker that she always wonders: does her first mom miss her?

kelly, not only are you a ridiculously kick ass educator, you are a beautiful PERSON. i am so amazed at how strong and unstoppable you are, and how vulnerable you allow yourself to be in this great big interweb. maddie’s comment on your previous blog entry brought me to instant tears. i can’t say that i would be as graceful or level-headed as she is, and i am inspired by her openness and love.

congratulations. i am thrilled for your whole family.

I’m an adopted child and I truly hope you and Maddie find balance and understanding each step of the way in building your relationship. It’s amazing.