from mom...

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,

and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

This is a difficult time for all of us in the midst of adoptions from Russia 

so much unsettling news, so much speculation, so much worry

so many facts unknown at the moment.

I am grateful to have the people in my life that stand around me

holding me together

protecting me from this storm.

Thank you for your hugs

your tears

your encouraging messages

thank you for the chocolate covered strawberries that one of my dance moms 

lovingly put in my hands this morning.

It all helps.

You help.

You carry me through.

I know I've said it before, but I seriously could not do this without all of you

my village.

My little bean is the luckiest little girl in the world to be coming into this circle of amazing people.

And she will be here

soon

of that I am holding strong.

LB looking at the photo album I brought along for her

and getting to know the faces of her peeps and seeing some of the toys that are waiting for her.