G is for gratitude
So..like where do I even begin?
Do I start at the beginning when my selfless & brave birth mom chose the harder decision by placing me for adoption?
Do I start two days later when my parents picked me up and promised to love & care for me as their own – a promise they’ve fully lived up too?
Do I start with my husband who has lovingly taken on all husband roles including being my therapist as he listens to & supports me through the highs & lows of being adopted?
Do I start with God & the ability to feel his love and know that he’s near me even in my darkest days?
The truth is I could start with any of these. Because I have the utmost gratitude for all of the above. But I have far too much to say about each one for a single post.
Therefore today I am expressing my gratitude for DNA. Without DNA I don’t know how long it could have taken for me to find my birth mom, if ever. But it definitely would’ve taken longer than it did. My husband bought me an Ancestry DNA kit after watching a commercial about it with me. I expressed how cool it would be if I could find her through it. Next thing I know I’m spitting in the tube & waiting for results. Once we got them we started searching – starting that search was DAUNTING to say the least.
But on MAY 28, 2018 I connected with genetic family members who selflessly helped me search. On JUNE 28, 2018 I heard my birth moms voice confirm through a phone call that I was hers. On JULY 8, 2018 I felt her embrace for the 2nd time in my whole life. Without modern technology & DNA testing who knows where I’d be, but I dare say I wouldn’t be in reunion, and that means I would not finally be finding myself. Which is something I’m beyond grateful for. Growing up I was never exactly sure what I wanted to do for a career. I’d listen to others talk about what they wanted to be when they grew up. I never knew that though. I did however always know who I wanted to know – HER.
DNA testing opened possibilities I often thought were not achievable & has given me answers to lifelong questions and more importantly helped me find myself along the way, and for that I am grateful.
Love, Jenni
