(previous post) • (next post)
You’ve given us many gifts, but one of the best is the gift of confidence. Daddy and I are not very social. Your Momma was, but infertility made me reluctant to make new friends. I couldn’t relate to old friends who were newly married, starting their families, or committed to their professions. Many women or couples felt uncomfortable when they found out we had no kids; we were less relatable. It was hard to find childless people around us who could be empathetic to our struggles. In the early part of this century, infertility was a taboo subject, and it made those going through it feel shamed and broken.
But WOW, that changed when you became part of our family. You won everyone’s heart right away. You instantly won everyone’s heart. We’d see people’s faces melt and say, “Aww!” Some would stop us and ask to pet you, and we’d always oblige. You always wanted the attention, and we were also proud to show you off.
That led to speaking with others, interacting with more people, and having conversations about topics other than kids or the weather. That was something I used to enjoy. And your adorable personality helped your Daddy get more comfortable with new interactions.
Of course, we’re still introverts (we’re still homebodies), but having you and Kira as part of our Ohana made us feel comfortable relating to other people. You were always a good conversation-starter. You made us feel less socially awkward, and that was such an enormous blessing you bestowed on us.