Spring Equinox

Spring Equinox: The moment at which the sun passes through the vernal equinox, about March 21, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

It is officially the first day of spring – and I can’t think of a better way to welcome in this new season than to get out on the water and row. That’s right. Those long and peculiar looking things hanging out of the side of my Mini Cooper are sculling oars. Ken got them for me for Christmas – a totally unexpected and amazing gift. (I really do have a great guy)

So – in honor of the vernal equinox, which is time of rebirth and renewal for us peeps who live on the East Coast… especially in light of the nasty and harsh winter we just had… I am celebrating in two ways.

1. Getting out on the water.

2. Keeping a clear and open mind as we move forward with this adoption.

First let’s start with number one. I don’t know if any of you did crew in high school or college- but it’s an extremely demanding sport – both physically and mentally. You have to be in good shape, you have to be committed and you have to be in it mentally. You have to be able to push yourself to the max. (Even though – at times – you may feel like putting your oars flat on the water and coasting – THAT is NOT an option in rowing.) And you have to be patient. DO NOT RUSH THOSE SLIDES. (Linda – you know what I’m talking about) 

This sport has also helped me to distress… and for the first time in my life meditate (even if it’s in a non-traditional way.) Being on the water and doing the same motion over and over is very therapeutic.  It helps to clear my mind.

This gets me to the point of keeping an open mind with this long and excruciating journey of adoption. Believe me – it’s easy to get frustrated and discouraged … especially with the recent news coming out of Ethiopia about a potentially significant slowdown in adoption cases (here’s a link to what’s going on). I must say – no matter how committed we are to Ethiopia and how enraptured we are with the country and its people… you mind starts to wonder – will it ever happen? 

Well – I am going to take some of what I’ve learned from rowing and apply it this journey. Be strong physically… be strong mentally and most importantly… have patience. Because when it’s all said and done –whether it’s 24 months or 36 –all the nail-biting,  sleepless nights and worrying if we will ever become parents ----- well, in the end, it will all be worth it when we meet our little peanut for the first time.  So here’s to spring and new beginnings!