I met a very special little lady this weekend, named Sam (in the picture above). Her mother, Cheryl, knows my aunt who received my kidney. Cheryl had also received a kidney from a classmate who happened to read about her kidney situation on facebook and decided to be her donor, even though she hadn’t seen or heard from her in 20 years. That, in and of itself, is a special story. However, Cheryl brought her daughter with her and they let me know that she was adopted at 4 days old. Sam is now 10 (and a half, she was quick to tell us). When my Aunt asked her, “How are you?”, she replied, “Happy!” And she was, she really was. She was very sweet and outgoing but the more we spoke to her, the more she opened up. Sam wants to be a singer someday, and I think she will be if she wants. You can see the determination and passion in her eyes as she speaks to you. Sam is an extremely positive person and her happiness was infectious. The whole room was laughing and smiling with her as she lit up the room and sang to us. She was very proud to be adopted and begged her mom to tell us the story of her adoption. Her mother recanted the story of how they got a call on Friday to pick up their baby on Monday and how they didn’t have any supplies so the nurses gave them diapers and other necessities, along with a diaper changing lesson! I could see the happiness and love in Sam’s eyes as her mother told the story. She reminded me of myself when I learned I was adopted. I was eager to share with the world because it made me interesting and I had a story to tell people. Sam was not upset or angry or distant about being adopted, she was simply happy. I don’t want anything or anyone to ever spoil that for her! Thank you for meeting me, Sam! I know you told me you were going to read my blog, so please feel free to share your thoughts always!! I would welcome and appreciate your positive nature and perspective. There are many hurting adoptees out there that could use an innocent and untarnished attitude! You’re a very special person (and not just because you’re adopted). You will do many great things in your life. I believe all your dreams will come true. I love you, Sam!