The Truth

I cannot tell you how many times I have been told that we were saints. When people find out that we have adopted two boys with Down syndrome and one with Autism, we get that all the time. Then when I tell them about our Carmen that died after open heart surgery and the fact that we are in the middle of an international adoption-we get that even more. Really? I am so far from a saint that it's not funny. I am not perfect and by no means deserve that. What people don't realize is the truth.

The truth is that I need my kids as much as they need me. This world can be pretty harsh sometimes and life can be difficult. Unless everything in your life happens perfectly and with ease, life can have some harsh turns. I love all of my children with all my heart. Adopting children with special needs is not always a bed of roses, but the good far outweighs the bad. They love me no matter how I look. They don't judge me if I make a stupid mistake. Even if they can't tell me that they love me (Anthony is basically non verbal) I know it by the extreme hugs they give. Even when I don't want to be touched, Anthony and Ethan climb up beside me and touch my hair, give kisses and the most wonderful hugs. When you are at your absolute worst, they know it and know what to do. When I come home from work it's always, "Hi Mom!" Jonathan always says, "How were you today?" No matter what, they always care. No matter what, they are just happy being with you.

I have been told before that they are taking away my free time. That I don't have the opportunities to drop things and go when I want. Well, let me tell you that I don't want a life without them. I need them in my life as much as they need me. They lift me up when I am down and add so much more to my life. They have brought me to a place where I actually feel like I belong. Growing up I was never really popular, wasn't the smartest person in the class, wasn't athletic and I wasn't really pretty. I now belong to a family of friends that accepts me for who I am and not what they want me to be. My Ds family is such a reward for me. I love all of them. I thank God everyday for my children, birth and adopted. God has truly blessed my life with them. We may not be the richest people in the world or have the biggest house, but I can tell you that I would rather have my life now then not have them in it. I cannot imagine what it would be like without them.