Michelle

Hello! My name is Michelle, from Hawaii, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read about me, and let you know why I am so interested in adopting.

My mother was in your same position so many years ago, and placed her baby (my sister) up for adoption. It was the single, most beautiful expression of love she could ever give. I always admired her for that, and knew if I ever had a chance to be involved with adoption in any way, I would be willing, and forever grateful! You are being very courageous and brave right now—and I want to let you know, I would never let your baby forget the incredible sacrifice you gave out of pure love for them. I promise you that! I would be honored to raise such a special “gift” of joy.

Being a mother has always been something that has never quite come true for me unfortunately, but I know now, it is the single most important decision I now desire. I cannot wait to begin this wonderful and rewarding journey, and if chosen, I know it will ultimately be the single most “selfless” act “You” will ever do! I am very aware of this. My ability to completely be there for your child will be unwavering. Your child will have my full attention, devotion and above all…unconditional love.

ABOUT ME

I currently live in sunny Hawaii, and was born here. After age eight, my family moved to Southern California, and I was raised primarily in California. Although my parents divorced when I was young, they remained very close. They knew a healthy relationship between them, would definitely be the most beneficial for everyone, and boy were they right. I had a very happy and fulfilling childhood, thanks to them.

Although my mother passed away four years ago, she was a kind, honest and progressive mother. She taught me to be a good listener, a good communicator, and most importantly a compassionate person. Her lessons stay with me daily, and I look forward to passing them on to my child.

I moved back to Hawaii over two and a half years ago, and love it. I now work with my father, (who I also have a great relationship with), and we have a business that rents and maintains luxury homes for “vacation home rentals”. It’s really fun, and I meet people from all over the world. They come for their “once in a lifetime” experiences, and it always makes me feel so fortunate to meet such great people. I love living here full time, and am lucky to have a flexible schedule. I am also able to work from home.

SOME FUN THINGS ABOUT ME ARE…
• I LOVE SCRAPBOOKING AND MAKING PHOTO ALBUMS
• I LOVE COLLETING UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
• I ADORE CATS (and animals in general)
• I HANDWRITE NOTES IN ALL MY CHRISTMAS CARDS
• I SURF, SNORKEL, AND SCUBA DIVE
• I DANCED IN THE LA OPENING CEREMONIES OF THE SUMMER OLYMPICS
• I ADORE TRAVELING, AND HAVE BEEN TO AFRICA
• I TAUGHT CHILDRENS THEATRE AND BALLET TO KIDS
• I LOVE PIZZA AND ITALIAN FOOD
• I LOVE TO DECORATE FOR EVERY HOLIDAY AND THROW THEME PARTIES

ABOUT MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS

I am obsessed with my family and friends. They are so important to me, and keep my spirit strong. I am lucky to have their support and encouragement, and they are so looking forward to a new little addition to our family one day!

In Hawaii, I have my dad, step-mother, Marty, and my step-aunt, Judith. My father is a bundle of energy, and it is fun to be with him every day at work. He is a born salesman, but is also very athletic and creative. His home is so unique (which he designed), and it was actually featured on a TV program. He is a wonderful piano player, as well. Marty and Judith are originally from Colombia, and moved her in their teens!They embrace life with passion and determination, and they inspire me everyday.

In California, I have my older sister, Colette. She is super loving, and is a big kid at heart. She cannot wait to be an “Auntie”. My younger brother is, Peter, and his wife’s name is, Sunna. They have a little one, Barnaby, who is almost two. In addition, I have a step-brother, Logan who also has two little girls-Kianna and Scarlet (who are ten and three). I visit California at least once a year, if not more. I also have one more brother in England, Robert, who just recently had a baby, Holly, with his wife, Sue.

My sister from Washington is, Kathy. She is my sister who was given up at birth, by my mother. She reunited with us in her mid thirties, and it was a wonderful closure for my mother. Back then “open adoptions” were not too common, so we were supportive and happy when the reunion occurred. She is married and has three children. Two of her children are expecting babies this summer with their spouses, and we are all so excited to be expanding the family at all times it seems.

My best friend since the third grade, is Loraine. She has been a constant in my life, and I adore her so. We have done practically everything together as friends. We went through school together, danced together in recitals and competitions, and traveled to many different places in the world together. She is married to her husband, Steve, and lives in Northern California.

My other best friend is, Kelly. I met her over twenty years ago, when I moved back to Hawaii briefly for a year. We met waiting tables in a Pizza Place called, “Basils”, and we have been great friends ever since. She currently lives here in Hawaii with her husband, Brett, and also has two grown children.

FAMILY TRADITIONS

All major holidays are spent together as a family. My step-mother and step -aunt are wonderful cooks. They truly make a feast at every occasion, and we even get together once a week to all watch, “Dancing with the Stars.” Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the most celebrated, and sometimes we even switch it up and celebrate at my place. I love to decorate every corner, and have “theme” bins for every holiday. I also absolutely love, “Snoopy”, and have a complete collection of over a dozen Snoopy’s that I set up in a certain section of the house, and call it “Snoopy Land”. My home was just “made” for children during this special time, and I just can’t wait.

ABOUT MY CAT “TIKI”

“Tiki” came into my life last year, when I rescued him from the Humane Society, and I haven’t stopped smiling since. He is about four now, and what a little character he is! He would do very well with a new baby, and he is very friendly. His favorite thing, is to make himself “fall off” the couch in a backwards “handstand”. I love kitties, and have always had them in my life from as long as I can remember.

MY HOME AND COMMUNITY

I live on the “Big Island” of Hawaii, as it is called. There are four major islands in the Hawaiian island chain, and my home is on the largest island. They call it, “the exploring island.” It is very beautiful, and we have all kinds of activities like, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, diving, hiking, boating, fishing, farming, and so much more. The people are so friendly here too. They call it the,“Aloha spirit”. Everyone is so accepting and nice.

I live in Kona, on the dry side of the island, but it is very lush and tropical too. We have the annual world famous, “Ironman Triathlon” right in town. Athletes come from all over the world to participate, and compete in this awesome athletic event. It is incredible, and I go every year. I live in a spacious home, and I am surrounded by palm trees and an ocean view. The feeling of community is wonderful here, and everyone treats each other like, “Ohana” (which means “family” in Hawaiian). The culture is rich in tradition and family values.Every month, they feature a street faire just down the street from where I live. Any child would fit in perfectly in this abundant and diverse island. There are beautiful beaches to play at, and I will be diligent on ensuring my child receiving a good education.

MY TRAVELS

I was fortunate to be born with the gift of dance, and it took me to many places including, Holland, South Africa and Japan. I was also lucky to travel to Australia to dive the Great Barrier Reef. I have toured Croatia and have “parasailed”, in Puerta Vallarta. I have cruised Alaska, and have additional family in Massachusetts, and Indiana. I also have a favorite cousin, Tim in Arizona. I love New York (and have seen several Broadway shows there). I so look forward to traveling with my child, and will encourage exploration, while embracing the many cultural differences.

MY PROMISE TO YOUR CHILD
• I promise to love them unconditionally
• I promise to protect them from harm
• I promise to be there when times are rough
• I promise to build up their spirit, and be their biggest cheerleader—always
• I promise to help them be a kind, thoughtful and appreciative individuals
• I promise to help them laugh, and let them know life can be unpredictable
• I promise to let them grow, be challenged and encourage them every step of the way
• I promise always to say, “I love you”!
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Well, thank you for taking the time to read about me, and let you know (to the best of my ability), “just who I am.” I look forward to raising a child, and please know that “adoption” will always be a celebrated word in my household. They will always know about you, and how your “selfless” act of adoption, came out of an act of pure love for them. You will always be my hero, and I hopefully look forward to getting to know you.