And today, after a year has gone by, Catalena has shown us how resilient she is. She has faced many challenges this year, yet she has faced them with a smile and willingness to get through them no matter how much she questioned her ability to do so. After being homeschooled for a year and a half, she conquered going back to school just a month after Melissa passed away.
She made new friends that she loves with her heart, her happy smile and infectious loud laughter!
She took on the challenge of fitting into our family and embraced being 'sister' to 5 crazy kids. The squabbling used to be curbed when she first spent time with us, but now.....well, it goes on around her and includes her. Acceptance in it's most unusual, yet highly honorable form!!
She is growing up as quickly as the boys are and we are so happy to be able to share her life and witness her journey. We hope to be what she needs us to be as the years go by, and to keep the promise made to Melissa that we would be there for her always.
Catalena continues to share with us those things she loved about her mom and Melissa is never far from thought. We hope it always stays that way. The journey is really just beginning!!
1 comment:
I wish I could tell Melissa how well your family has taken Catalena in as your own. Every single time I see a post with her, my heart swells with both sadness and happiness at the same time. C is so very blessed to have you. I know if Melissa could, she would give you the biggest hug and thank you from the bottom of her heart!!
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