Orlando . . .

Last weekend, I attended the Early Trauma and Attachment Meeting for mamas who are parenting kids with attachment issues. Orlando is no longer a place for me.

It is difficult to blog about my experience as I want to keep it for myself. I will say that I felt more accepted, more loved, more understood, more at HOME than I have ever felt since we began this journey of foster care and adoption. I came home with a peace that it hard to understand let alone explain. Yesterday, Corey responded to something I wrote and said, "Orlando is a sacred experience that is nearly impossible to describe" and that is right where I am.

Last year at this time I said I would never go to Orlando. I thought it was wonderful, but I never thought it was my cup of tea. Then my world was shaken and I needed the support. Laurie pushed me to my limits and forced me to take a leap of faith. Corey encouraged me and placed me in the perfect Villa. The ladies I spent the weekend with will forever be part of my family. In some ways, they know me better than my family does. I was gifted with the most important friendship that I have ever had prior to coming to Orlando (because of Orlando) and got to bask in her goodness while there. I was blessed.

I sat with women who told me stories that made my hair curl. I sat and wept with others. I laughed. I felt an immediate sense of sisterhood. I created a bond with ladies that have forever changed the woman, the mother and the friend that I am. For that I am forever thankful. I am changed. I am better.