i wuv 'em

When the kids were born I distinctively remember how much love and support they got from our relatives, especially compared to how people who didn't know them treated them.  It was natural, of course.  But I remember thinking that this would be the foundation on which to build their hearts.  They would know where they came from, they would face life with strength and wisdom, feeling that there were many people who deeply loved them, just because they were worthy of this.

Since the kids were young we have found friends who treat them the same way.
Friends who are like family.

For that I am so very grateful.