On Building A Family

Building a family is the most significant thing that I have done. And, it’s the biggest blessing that has been bestowed upon my life: watching my friends build and continue to expand their families. Some of my friends have built their families the traditional way: by finding partners and having babies. Others have adopted children, welcoming children into their hearts and into their homes. Whatever the process, these children have found love, while their parents have become more dedicated, interesting versions of themselves.
 

 
When I was 5, I met the only other little girl I knew that could read. I met her just once: she was in afternoon Kindergarten and I was in the morning session. But in that one meeting my impression of her was made and in 37 years it has not changed: she was smart, sassy and friendly.
 

Throughout school, we were Girl Scouts together, and have been friends for a long, long time. I look forward to the Strawberry Festival each year when I see her face. She (like all of us) has seen her fair share of ups and downs. Some of the downs that she has been dealt would have stopped a lesser person.
 

Not Tisha.

 

No matter what has happened to her, she has always managed to forge ahead. Her infectious, keep on keepin’ on attitude is an example to everyone that knows her and often causes me to reflect: “am I doing enough for someone else?”
 

 
Today, I saw this story about her husband, and the house that they are building, by hand, with love, to extend their family and bring all of the joy that they have brought to so many to a few siblings in Bulgaria (?? ). In the one hour that one friend saw it on Facebook, many more reposted it. I think that’s a testament to how amazing she is. How great her story is (and it’s still unfolding) and how each of us has the power to impact someone else.
 

So many things seem to be up in the air.
 
Uncertain.
 
But the two things aren’t: (1) the amazing people we surround ourselves with and choose to have in our lives and (2) Love.
 

Check out the news story. It’s an uplifting read.
 

And if you’re so inclined, feel free to make a donation to help them bring some love to Georgia. Either way: be assured there are great people who put love first and Mark and Tisha are two such people.