November - Special Month of Awareness

Another year that seems to have flown by in a blink of an eye. This year has had many ups, downs, twist and turns on our roller coaster ride along with many exciting additions, new adventures and goals set for our future. The upside to having a large family is that most every month we have something going on; however, November brings many celebrations of anniversary's, birthday's and recognizing awareness of National Adoption Month, National CRPS/RSD Month and National Epilepsy Month. With that said, I cannot stress enough how differently this month holds a very special place in my heart. 

Our family grew again by way of adoption this year. As we went through the process this time; it was a bit different from previous adoptions due to our state having policy changes at the first of the year. During this adoption, I learned more about the social service system, other adoption and foster situations from fellow foster/adopt friends and most importantly from birth families. People ask me all the time "why we choose to stay in contact with our children's family"? The answer is a no-brainer for me. My response never waivers as I say, "it is their family and the last thing I would ever want is to not to keep contact". 

I must admit there are times the contact has become scarce on both sides with all our adopted families.  Reason...LIFE! Not so much for the updates or just sending a hello message but trying to get a visit in and working with everyone's schedule does not always work. This is where I am grateful for technology as without it I am not sure what would we all do. Nevertheless, without the choice that my husband and I made those many years ago to become foster parents never really thinking that we would adopt hard to believe that here we are FIVE adoptions later.

In return, what I have really learned that this path we are on is so beyond our control. Our journey is not over. Not one to never say never as life has so much to offer but when the rat race takes over I think we only see a glimpse of what is in store. Remember it is okay to hit your inner kid side and blow bubbles every now and again. It is fun and it is a form of therapy. You never know how strong you truly are until you are tested. We all have inner strength; it is just hidden and needs the will to come out.

As for our family, we embrace one another through all; the good and the not so good, and this month a bit more wholeheartedly. Where our path may lead, I do not have any idea but we are currently in the process of working with an adoption consultant for boy/girl twins. I totally understand that it may be a total impossible journey but I also believe if something is meant to happen it will. I also acknowledge that a large family does not fit everyone's cup of tea. For me it is something that even with my disability I have had to learn to navigate through the chaos of motherhood times eight and through it all in the end it is what my inner strength, my family, my faith, my honesty, my awesome support system, my drama free zone and my guardian angel (my mom) is what gets me through.

"Because a thing seems difficult for you, do not think it impossible for anyone to accomplish.” – Marcus Aurelius

Plus, it helps being a bit OCD and not taking "no" for an answer most of the time....so on that note. Waking up each day, knowing I have figured the management of my disability and pain to a certain extent along with life has throwing plenty of curve balls but when you can bring families together through the way of adoption and maintain a relationship the payoff is beyond what I can express in a short story or a few words. For that there is no measure... GOD BLESS

So many of our dreams at first seem impossible, then they seem

improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” – Christopher Reeve

Until Next Time...Make it A Great Day!

Visit www.blackandredlicorice.com

On Facebook - Black and Red Licorice: The Daily Mix of Life

Send a Tweet Julie@ACrazyBigFamily