Thursday, March 08, 2012

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.

6 comments:

Patty said...

Did I mention how much I adore you? You were a total gift to me this last weekend - in so many ways.

xoxop.

Patty said...

Did I mention how much I adore you? You were a total gift to me this last weekend - in so many ways.

xoxop.

Kristine said...

I pretty much knew before I met you in person I was going to love you. You did not disappoint!

Thank you for making me laugh SO hard this weekend! And for sharing yourself with all of us. What an amazing group of women we had in our house!

Love you!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you got to go! I wish I was there this year. It is such a great experience.

GB's Mom said...

We had the best house and you ladies made it that way!

"Lil Ol' Me" said...

Love you!!