I’m glad Dani found her family.

As a child who was neglected and subsequently abandoned, I didn’t find my “family” until the age of 22 in the form of angelic in laws. Although I was nothing like Dani, neglect and abandonment puts a very real fear of trust, showing affection or loving others into someone. It’s human nature to withdrawal into yourself because others just hurt you when you have experienced emotional trauma. A person can only take so much.

Luckily for me, my “rehabilitation” came in the form of a wonderful husband, mother-in-law and father-in-law. They knew the damage from my childhood and over the past 13 years changed me from a bitter, spiteful, untrusting and unaffectionate person to a woman who will be the first to hug a friend or stranger who needs a hug and into a woman who trusts (although very particular about who). They never waivered in their fight to change me. Even on my worst days, they loved me through it. LOVE makes all the difference in the world.

So very proud of Dani! Keep fighting… know that you are safe and loved. And even though I don’t know her, I would like to say “THANK YOU” to Bernie and Diane for giving her the chance that so many children will never get. We need more people like you!