First, thank you for all of the love and support after last week’s post. I am seriously overwhelmed by your kindness. Second, I have no idea how to write this week’s post. I’ve started, erased, stopped and picked back up at least thirty times. There just aren’t enough descriptive words in the English language. For those of you who are just jumping on the DwtD train, I met my maternal, biological family this past weekend. I started my biological family search, back in October, and it all came to fruition, in Atlanta, five days ago. And honestly, I’m still processing and will continue processing for quite some time. I don’t think my head, and heart, can fully wrap themselves around what has happened. I mean, I met my maternal biological mother. The extraordinary woman who gave me a chance at life. Six months ago she was a figment of my imagination – just a person I thought about every now and again when I had to have a check-up or, on my birthday. Fast forward to last weekend and there she was, knocking on my hotel door. To say I was nervous would be the understatement of the year. I was terrified. I think I downed two glasses of chardonnay in two minutes. But then she was in our hotel room, with my incredible half sister, and all of a sudden the nerves were gone, the anxiety lifted and all was as it should be. There were no awkward moments or uncomfortable silences – well, Patrick was silent but only because he was the only male which meant he had no chance of getting a word in!! We all spent the weekend just getting to know one another and laying the framework for our future relationships. Will we see each other again? Definitely. All in good time. For now, I’m just so happy I forced myself to leap. I have been on a carousel of emotions, for the last nine months, but it was 100% worth it . And I truly believe it would have been worth it regardless of whether or not my bio mom ever engaged. The journey alone brought me peace. By starting the search I allowed myself to control the fear so many adoptees struggle with – the fear of the unknown. We choose not to search, in part, because we are scared of what we will find and how what we find might change who we are. But the opposite happened to me. As soon as I submitted my Search Angels application, I felt like I was in control. I was no longer sitting on the sidelines too nervous to try. I made myself work through every, possible, scenario and tried my best to find peace with each potential outcome. And I believe I did. “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.” – Theodore Roosevelt.
Meal Plan for the Week of 6/23
Sunday, June 23rd – Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Crust Buffalo Chicken Pizza – I have never tried cauliflower pizza crust but I’m really curious so let’s do this people. Use whatever toppings float your boat!!
Monday, June 24th – Southwest Turkey, Vegetable and Rice Skillet – This guy has it all – one dish wonder, family friendly, ready in under 20. Doesn’t get any better, especially on a Monday.
Tuesday, June 25th – Salmon, Avocado Salad – Patrick hates avocado but this recipe will be delicious with or without – it will just be better with. Light and flavorful – exactly what I need after weeks of overindulging.
Wednesday, June 26th – Asparagus Salad with Chicken or Shrimp – Our most recent swim meet was cancelled, due to weather, and I think the make-up will be this evening. Thankfully, this here recipe is easy to make and travels well. I will add some kind of protein to make this a meal, not a side!!
Thursday, June 27th – Chicken Chimichangas – I honestly don’t know how these differ from burritos but I honestly don’t care. Any Mexican dish that is under 400 calories is a winner in my book.
Friday, June 28th – Skinny Shrimp Alfredo Pasta Bake – Sorry for the seafood heavy recipes these week – just happened that way. I love a Friday night dish I can make ahead of time and this one is worth it. You won’t even know it’s “light.” Enjoy!!
Happy, Healthy Eating Friends.
XO ~ Kelly D.
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