I say to everybody, 'Adoption is not for the faint of heart.'

Sometimes things in life happen that allow us to understand our priorities very clearly. Ultimately you can see those as gifts.

Yes. I did more research than I ever wanted to and saw some things I wish I didn't. I went on ride-alongs, spent time with Homicide, Cold Case, and SVU detectives, hung out in subways learning how to spot pervs and pick-pockets, viewed an autopsy, went to a police firing range, and witnessed court cases and I read, read, read.

Just smiling at someone walking down the street can make the person's day. It's all about paying it forward.

The experience of being cared for is profound, and it nourishes the soul as much as the food does the body.

I want to be a fun mom. Not a gasping for air mom.

But trust can take you a long way. And my faith takes me a long way. And I think that our pains, our vulnerabilities, and our insecurities can fuel us to be better. To try harder. To dig deeper.