What's My Story? Pay it Forward

For those of you who don't know, I was adopted. For those of you who have known me for over 20 years, you have known it has been a long term goal; a desire to be able to give an opportunity to a little girl who might otherwise would have not had one.

I was abandoned in a hospital as a newborn and lived in an orphanage until 5 months, when my parents adopted me. They were living in Manila at the time. My parents have two biological children; my brother, who is three years older and my sister, who is three years younger than me. My siblings are pretty cool. Growing up I didn't think so, but as I look at our relationship now, they have accepted me unconditionally, despite the fact that I am not their biological sibling. I think this speaks volumes about their personalities and their ability to accept anyone for who they are.

So I was given a chance. Chances like being able to have my own bike, to play tennis and to go to college. A chance to be raised by a family with immense love and support. A chance to have my own family to share support and to teach my children to love unconditionally. I am pretty grateful for all these chances and the best way I can express my gratitude is by paying it forward.