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Grief

Changed Life

There she was, with her beautiful long hair, lying all alone in the uncomfortable, hospital bed.  She was dying of HIV/AIDS and unable to speak to me, I felt so much sorrow as I watched her lose weight because she could not eat.  In 2003, in Mekelle, Ethiopia, I was a six year old, second grader when this all happened.  Himonnet is my mother’s name and she was the best mom. Not because I say so, but because others also said so.  My mom used to laugh all the time and was good at comforting others.  This was the most difficult year that I ever had, that no one also could imagine.

Today marks my 28th day of rocking Honeybee! We began on December 20th, so clearly, I didn’t manage to rock for 28 consecutive days, but we carved out the time every day we both were home and there was even a sliver of time to rock.

Our 15 minutes have often been taken up with Honeybee talking, she is an 11 year old girl after all, and she has lots to say.  Because we’ve worked hard to have our time alone, she has told me more about her life at the orphanage, about her friendships, and other memories.  It has been precious.


(read part 1 here)

July

July was the extremely exciting month when Mimi and Andrew got married!  We hosted the reception at our home, which was an incredible highlight in our lives – as well as an incredible amount of work.

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of A Bushel and A Peck at this new website,  www.OneThankfulMom.com.  I started with a small blogspot address on June 19, 2006 having absolutely no idea that I would still be writing today.  I figured that once our children had been home for a short time, I would have nothing more to say.

Apparently that is not the case and most days I think of numerous posts to write — if only I could find a few quiet moments.

Thank you so much for being part of my life through A Bushel and A Peck — I am honored that in the midst of your busy days, you take the time to read my humble offerings. Even if you don’t have time to read this post, would you please skip to the bottom and read the last bit? It would mean the world to me to hear from you.

In honor of this day, here is the first half of the year in review.  The second half will follow tomorrow.

How are all of you wonderful Rockin’ Mamas doing?

Are you seeing fruit from your efforts to connect with your child?  Is your child receiving and enjoying the time with you?

Are you having any difficulties getting the rocking done?

I can tell you the two most difficult things I am facing in the Challenge.

Hello Friends!  My week away from A Bushel and A Peck was filled with family, rest, and fun. I want to give a very warm and hearty thanks to my friends who generously stood in for me.  Weren’t they all wonderful?!?

The Rockin’ Mama Challenge is going strong; if you haven’t joined us yet, jump in!  It’s not too late.

During my computer-free week, I was blissfully unaware of some criticism toward the Rockin’ Mama Challenge, and particularly toward me.  I had shared the Challenge on Grown in My Heart, hoping to encourage parents to draw their children’s hearts more deeply into loving relationship.  Some readers raised concerns that I don’t want to leave unanswered, so I hope you won’t mind if I address them here.

1.  Holding Therapy

Several comments expressed concern that rocking Honeybee is some form of  forced “holding therapy”.

One week ago I started my challenge of rocking Honeybee 15 minutes each day. It has not been easy, and I’ve already missed two days – Christmas is a tough time to establish a new routine. But, I know it means the world to Honeybee and it is good for both of our hearts.

I mentioned in an earlier post that Deborah (our extraordinary adoption therapist) gave me an assignment.  She asked me if I would accept the challenge of giving Honeybee 15 minutes of uninterrupted time in the rocking chair.  As my kids would say, “Not gonna lie…,” that is a tough request for me.

Children with difficult histories thrive on structure and routine. Holidays, breaks from school, and family gatherings generally throw that out the window. How can we help our children be successful in the midst of the celebrations?

Have you heard the great news? Empowered to Connect is coming to Denver this April!  There aren’t many details yet, but block out the weekend on your calendars.