And the winner is ... me (and someone else)

It's been too long. I'm a horrible blogger. Life happens in the most inconvenient times, doesn't it?

I have a big announcement, a lot of life to download and compile into a post for your enjoyment, but first I wanted to share with you the winner of the "Three Little Words" book giveaway.

The emails I received were so encouraging, and so diverse. From a college student who wants to eventually go to law school and positively change the foster care system in her state, to a mother who was forced by her parents to discontinue the accidental pregnancy of a child who would today be the same age as K.

I'm changing the name to protect my winner, but her name doesn't matter nearly as much as her story.

I know you'll be touched and inspired like I was.

Hello Immediate Mom,

I follow your blog regularly, although I don't know if I have ever commented. Sorry, I am kind of quiet--even on the internet I suppose. I did email you once quite a while ago and you were kind enough to email me back. I find your blog inspiring...inspiring enough to respond to your recent post despite my "quietness", so here goes.

My journey to adopt from foster care began when I was 5 years old, although I didn't realize it at the time. That was the year we moved, and I made friends with the little girl down the street. Her parents happened to be foster parents, and they had adopted her when she was a baby. I doubt they have any idea what kind of impact this would have on the rest of my life. I was a quiet child too, so I never talked to them about foster care, or even asked questions about it, but I quietly observed . They had this framed poster that hung in one of their rooms. I think it was titled "Children Learn What They Live". I think I read that poster every time I went into their home. My friend and I had frequent, private discussions about adoption. These discussions planted a seed in my heart that has grown roots over time. 30 plus years later, my desire to adopt from foster care is stronger than ever.

Two-and-a-half years ago my husband and I officially began our adoption journey. I thought the hardest part would be getting approved. That actually turned out to be the easiest part thus far. After we were approved I knew...I mean I KNEW the call saying we were matched would come at any time. I obsessively carried my phone with me everywhere so I wouldn't miss the call. I checked my email constantly all day long. I waited. We waited. The call never came.

At times I thought I would go crazy waiting. I became a little paranoid too. I started to wonder if there wasn't some secret caseworker code in our home study that said "don't pick this family!". We want to adopt an older female child, and I certainly thought it would happen quicker than this. At times the wait has become so agonizing that I have considered quitting.

The thing that has always pulled me back together is knowing that our child is out there somewhere and she is waiting for us. She needs us. So instead of quitting, I have begun following blogs dedicated to the topic of foster care adoption. I read voraciously, trying to prepare myself as best I can for the journey that still lies ahead. I want to be as prepared as possible for the day the call does come.

Just last week we found out we were being considered for a 15 year old. Ultimately we weren't chosen, but that's ok. At least our study is being looked at. I believe ( I have to believe) that things will happen in due time. So I continue to wait, and I continue to read. I continue the journey to bring home our forever girl...the journey that began so long ago in the most unlikeliest of places.

 As far as I'm concerned, I'm the winner of this giveaway.