“Peace is not won by those who fiercely guard their differences but by those who with open minds and hearts seek out connections.”

-- Katherine Paterson

Thirteen years ago, my adopted daughter, her birthmother and I hung out on a hospital bed for three days sharing whatever time we could, with laughter, tears, agony and joy. My husband was also a part of many of these hours. Yet it was those sacred still moments at 5 a.m. as I cradled my new daughter at my breast, (using a supplementary nursing device), sharing some mystic mothering of both the infant and her birthmother, that showed me we could create such a beautiful way to honor each of the souls involved in the adoption triangle. We left the hospital knowing the connection was deep and there would be a tomorrow for all of us again.

A few nights ago, my daughter (now thirteen), her birthmother and I sat crosslegged on her birthmother's big bed until the wee hours, laughing, sharing photos and written letters both sent and unsent from both ‘moms’. I watched my daughter radiate with joy and playfulness. What a sacred journey we are on! We were brave enough to explore our very own way of moving through adoption. Nothing but joy and love in our hearts as we look forward to the next visit. It takes a village to raise a child.

~ Catrina

“It is a risk to love. That’s part of what makes it so beautiful. If you frequently ask yourself, ‘What if it doesn't work out?’ consider changing your question. Ask yourself, ‘Ah, but what if it does?’”

-- Harold Bloomfield