Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Forever Friends

We spent Thanksgiving weekend in B.C. with my family (Shuswap/Okanagan). Although we were very busy, I did have the opportunity to finally meet a very special friend I have made a connection with in the online adoption world - Natalie! (She and her mom drove almost 2 hours to meet up for a quick coffee - Thanks for doing that, Nat!)


Natalie and I have chatted online for a few years now, since the beginning of our international adoption journeys (I cannot believe I just wrote 'years'. Ugh) - on the yahoo group, through our blogs, email and facebook. This is also a year or so before Josina came into my life. When I first saw pictures of Natalie I felt an overwhelming sense of emotion. In my heart I was feeling the same thing I saw in Natalie's eyes. Utter Sadness. I boldly told her this in an email and we've been each other's sounding board and cheering section ever since.

When Nat and I gave each other a hug (she gives the best, squishy hugs, lol) she said something along the lines of it feeling like we already know each other, yet we're just meeting. That is so true! This process forces us to bare our souls and we need to hang on to each other to survive. It seemed so surreal to finally be with Natalie in person. She is such a sweet, kind, gentle soul! I know that after Natalie and I are both home with our children that we will continue to be forever friends.

Through this adoption journey I've met so many wonderful people online who I consider my friends. I hope I can also meet you one day.

7 comments:

BCMommy said...

I LOVE hearing about how we are all connected and I love even more when us 'onliners' are able to meet up! We are a unique group of people, and I must say, the best support group I have during this adoption is a group of people I have never met. Would love to change that and meet more of you all!!!

Chad, Laura, Sara and Seth said...

It is amazing to connect with wonderful people. Nat and I had coffee last year too!!! She is a dear. And I feel it - we will too meet!

L

Natalie and Chris said...

THANK YOU SO MUCH for all the kind words. I feel the exact same way. You are my FOREVER FRIEND and I can't wait to hang out again. You are as kind and generous as I always felt you were and our bond is as strong as I always hoped it would be.
Thank you for everything. We will chat soon.
Nat xox

Sharla said...

thank you for pointing out that my link was wrong...oops! I fixed it now.

Anonymous said...

Tammy, I am your secret pal, but have been gone for a little bit, so am just about to send your first month's gift (& second with it...). I have a few questions for you though, to help me with the next few months. Please respond on the yahoo group.

When is your birthday?
What do you & Sid like to do?
What are your hobbies? Are you a reader, writer, crafter?

That should about do it...

Thanks!
SP

Janice said...

How fun is that. It's great you got to meet in person.

Anonymous said...

Did you get it today? I couldn't send it when it was so cold, so I had to wait for a bit of a warm up (who knew it was going to get SO cold so fast!). Then I had to time your other one so that it would arrive after the first.

I was so tickled when my order FINALLY came in the mail! It may have taken an awfully long time, but I hope you'll be as tickled as I was when you finally get it!

Watch out for next month's, it might just surprise you... And when you least expect it...

Enjoy your goodies!
SP