Hi everyone. SO, when I sat down to write this week’s post, a few days ago, it was going to be all about my frustration with the summer camp process. Well, summer in general. But then something really unbelievable happened and I can’t imagine not sharing it. It’s a bit personal but what the hell. It’s just me and my computer screen, right? For those of you who are not my lifelong besties, you would have no reason to know I’m adopted. Yep, I’m adopted. I was adopted when I was something like a day old so basically from birth. Mine is a really interesting story, involving a huge LSU football fan, but it’s a little long. Another story for another time. Any who, so I’m adopted and have always been so incredibly grateful to the stranger who decided to give me a chance. Seems so insignificant, saying it that way, when in actuality it’s the most precious gift. Life. Can’t imagine anything topping that one. I have only ever felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to this selfless human being who made the ultimate sacrifice to give me a shot. How powerful is that? Gets me every time.
So, rewind to October. My hair dresser was talking to me about how she helped a friend find her biological family and referenced this group, Search Angels. What is “Search Angels” you ask? Well they are a non-profit organization that helps you unravel your DNA testing results if you’ve done an Ancestry or a 23 and me. Side note – if you are looking for your biological family, this is the best place to start. Only, it’s not as simple as sending in your spit. I did the Ancestry test two years ago, learned a lot about my ancestors place of origin and had a cousin contact me, but that was as far as I got. BUT, that was then. Wait, let me back up just a wee bit. SO, hairdresser tells me about Search Angels and I think, why not? It’s free. So, I sat down and filled out the form. But then I started to second guess this whole thing. If I send in this email I am opening Pandora’s Box, plain and simple. I am putting myself out there to accept all the things, good and bad, that could come with finding out the answers. I’ve always struggled with this. Do I really want to know? Will it change me? What if they are horrible people? What if they say “no” and on and on and on. But, I had a pep talk, with myself, singing my favorite song lyrics ever, “I am brave, I am bruised, I am who I’m meant to be. This is me.” I can do this. I’m strong enough to survive whatever answers, or lack there of, come my way. I am not only me because of my DNA. I am me because of my parents, my aunts, uncles, cousins and Lord knows, my friends. Nothing can change who I am. So, I hit send. It was the most terrifying moment of my life. Honest to God. Until my search angel was assigned to me two days ago. Then things got real, crazy fast. Y’all, in less than three hours he had already uncovered great grandparents, and great great grandparents. Information just started flowing. There are no words to describe the power of a name. Just one family name. It literally took me down. I ugly cried in my car for what felt like an hour. And this wasn’t even necessarily the name, name, but it was the name of a person who shares my blood. There I go again. Waterworks. Daniel, my incredible Search Angel is on to something. He and Ancestry are building out my family tree and I know in my gut he’s going to find even more. I think next week is going to be huge. The only thing Daniel, my for real angel, asked of me was to pay it forward. Part of me feels like by sharing my story, I am honoring his request. If one person finds comfort or encouragement from this post then I’ve done my job. Being adopted is the greatest gift but it can be a lonely one at times. I hope putting this out into the blogosphere helps at least one person. Feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to hear from you!
P.S. My childhood best friends have been on this journey with me since I can remember. I want to thank them, here, for loving me so deeply and truly. They are ready to jump on the next plan, to God knows where, just to be present if/when there is ever a meeting. If I had one wish in life it would be for every single person to have this same family of friends. They are unstoppable. Thank you Boones Farm.
It’s hard to go from adoption to food but I know it’s what you are really here for!! So, meal plan for the week of 1/20!
Sunday, January 20th – ONE POT Italian Chicken and Orzo – ONE POT. ORZO. PESTO. CHEESE. Do I need to say anything else? Oh, yes. Purchase a good loaf of bread. That is all.
Monday, January 21st – Veggie Packed Hamburger Soup – It’s supposed to be bananas cold here on Monday. Like in the 30’s which is ridiculous for Charleston. I’m making this delicious Whole 30 soup and I’m going to park my tush in front of the fire.
Tuesday, January 22nd – Sizzlin Spicy Szechaun Stir-Fry – I have three flank steaks in my freezer from Costco that I totally forgot about so I’m putting those babies to use. This a gussied up stir fry but loaded with yummy flavors. You can purchase the szechaun sauce, or make it from the recipe!
Wednesday, January 23rd – Classic Egg Salad – I’ve shared a number of egg salad recipes and this is a favorite of mine. This Skinnytaste dish calls for mayo and not greek yogurt but feel free to sub if you prefer greek yogurt. I may do a slice of sourdough with mine, depending on what else I’ve inhaled this day!!
Thursday, January 24th – Taco Salad – This is similar to some others but it’s hard to pass these up. Flavorful, healthy, filling and low calorie. Checks all of the boxes. And it’s family friendly!
Friday, January 25th – Greek Chicken Bake – A one pan’er here y’all. I love a sheet dinner. And this one is full of veggies and goodness. Except I will not eat the olives. I do not do olives. Feel free to add artichokes if you are feeling silly!!
Happy Healthy Eating Friends!
XO ~ Kelly
Wendy little says
And you just opened MY flood gates! I’m happy for you and will forward this info to my loved ones who need it.
Thanks and happy cooking!
Wendy