Comments on: Those left behind

By: Erin H

Erin H — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 06:14:38 +0000

Thanks everybody for the comments. I really appreciate all you had to say. I didn't write this post to be a "tell me how great I am" thing in any way, although it is really touching to hear some of you say you think I am making some difference.

Hugs,
E

By: Brianna

Brianna — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 22:14:49 +0000

This was a great post. It is tough thinking of all the children left behind. Your family is amazing!

By: Thankfulmom

Thankfulmom — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 03:44:44 +0000

Erin,

The impact you are having is only in it's early stages - I doubt you know how far reaching it could become. You are a wonderful advocate for these dear children, and many of us are grateful to you.

Many blessings on you and your family.

Lisa

By: s

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 03:03:55 +0000

What do you mean “better than no family at all?” Give yourselves some credit: you have an awesome family! All of your family members must be so proud of each other, and I think it is simply wonderful how you have come together. You’re so much more than “better than” the alternative.

Also, you have touched so many people by your willingness to share about your family. Even when you are done, the ripples you have made will keep going.

By: Cyndi

Cyndi — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 01:00:21 +0000

I have tears in my eyes – you are so right. Ever since I left that Vlore orphanage in 1991 – a piece of my heart has been with the children left behind. I believe families seeing families built out of love – may light a spark for those who never explored international adoption. And I’m thankful for the internet – to help families explore this option and hear first hand the beauty of families united this way.

By: jennmomtothree

jennmomtothree — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 22:38:04 +0000

And, sarajean, aren't grassroots movements usually the most successful?

I agree, Erin, you are making a difference. My family might not be cut out for adopting internationally, but your writing has changed the way I view many things, but family size in particular - I always wanted a big family, but put that thought aside as totally unrealistic. Just yesterday, however, here I sat at work looking at 12 and 15 passenger vans, when we're currently a family of 5.

So, here's one more who can tell you that your life and the decisions you and Josh make stir up feelings, desires, dreams that just may become real. That is, if we can get over the reluctant-husband-syndrome. : )

Of course, I've done it twice before. (The first time, when we adopted our daughter - no, there's no way we want to move 400 miles with 2 under 2, and that's what we did; the second time, when we adopted our second son - we were "done" with kids, with a boy and a girl; why mess up a good thing?)

By: sarajean

sarajean — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 19:41:13 +0000

I want you to know you ARE making a difference. After I started reading your blog I asked for There Is No Me Without You for Christmas and I read it cover to cover in one day. It has changed my life, the way I see the world, and the way I am going to live from now on. My husband and I wilol sponsor an Ethiopian child through AHOPE this year. We are waiting for our daughter to come home (S. Korea…c’mon travel call) but I know in my heart that our family is not complete, and when we are ready to adopt again we will be looking into Ethiopia, for a toddler or sibling group. So thank you for opening my eyes by sharing your story.

By the way, I am passing the book around, and so far each person I’ve given it to has felt their life changed as well. It may be grassroots, but it is a movement.