AMAZING discovery!

The coolest and most unexpected realization has been uncovered through our adoption journey: My family is full of saints. Not that I didn't already know that, but their generosity knows no bounds. And there are more of them then I ever expected--it's like they're coming out of the woodwork.

THE INCREDIBLE WOMEN IN MY LIFE:

Starting here...

Mom (Vicki), Nanny (Barbara), Aunt Diane and Aunt Lori

So, why is my mom a saint? Well, I've already told you some reasons here, but there are countless others. My mother despises yard sales; I mean truly hates them. But, Saturday morning, she'll be giving up her time to help me. She's bringing tons of stuff. Her support has been far greater than I could ever have imagined. When I freak out over the financial end or the interviews or whatever, she always responds the same way, "We're here for whatever you need." And she's followed through on that promise in more ways than I can count. She's going to hang up yard sale signs later this week with my grandmother. Did I mention she hates yard sales? She does, with a passion.

Next, there's Nanny, whom I actually like to call Granny because of Downton Abbey. And because I am English. (False. Actually, I am of English dissent...) She has dug up a ridiculous amount of items. Good items, too. Not your average yard sale junk. She has turned her home into a "holding cell" for all the donations. Plus, she's baking, too--strawberry bread and lemon bars for a bake sale my daughter is doing to help.

Aunt Lori and Aunt Diane both came through with extremely generous contributions, that were completely unexpected. But, that's who they are. Oh, and also, Lori's paying for a wedding. In two weeks.

Now onto my sister, Jamie:

We're also besties. Hey, it's my blog, I'll write what I want. Plus if it's on the
 internet,  it has to be true. I am pretty sure that is a law or something.

She's sent a donation, which I told her not to do and a box of stuff, which probably cost her a fortune to mail, which I didn't tell her not to mail because there may be something in it that I can wear and I have sold all my nice designer clothes on eBay. Did I mention that she just had a baby? Does anyone know how much a baby costs? I can't even begin to tell you how much she fills my heart with this overwhelming joy. (She'll hate that I've said that publicly, but it's true.) And, on top of that, she has offered to let me be a guest blogger on her site--which has like a million more followers than mine. Nothing short of amazing.

More of the unexpected... 

This is my cousin with my Great Aunt Faye and Aunt Terri

Both Faye and Terri have come through in so many ways that I cannot even begin to tell you--and it was all completely unexpected but truly appreciated. From donations to reposts of Facebook shares and encouragement--I just don't ever know how I can repay them.

Honestly, I don't know how I could ever repay any of them. But that's the great thing about family. Through this process I've learned I don't owe them anything except to pay it forward because that's what family does. When Jamie's daughter, Emily needs something, I'll be there. When my cousins' future children have needs, I will be there.

I'll also be there for my brother's future kids...you know, if he ever comes back to this continent. (A story for another time, but he's super impressive, too.)