Making a Difference

he⋅ro  /heer-oh/ –noun, plural -roes; a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his/her brave deeds and noble qualities.

Since adopting Ashley, Jessica and Corey, I have met many heroes:

• The birthmother who turned and walked away, giving Ashley a chance at the life she deserved


• The judge who gave me custody of Corey though I had no home study, no background check, and no one other than Corey's relatives to say I would be a good mother for him


• The therapist who helped me realize that the only way I could make things better for Jessica was to turn over her day-to-day care to professionals


• The teachers along the way who have refused to waiver, even under the pointed stares of supervisors


• The doctors who believed Ashley could not only live, but flourish


• The friends who believe in me and my choices when most people think I've lost my mind


• The attorneys who fought for Ashley's rights as if she were their child


• The due process hearing officer who looked me in my eyes after the hearing and told me 'Good luck'


• and the social workers who didn't laugh when I said I was ready to adopt again

Our children draw out the hero hidden in many people. Who are the heroes in your child's life?