Sometimes we get lucky enough to travel to some of the most beautiful places on earth. This was true for my family in the summers of 2008 and 2010. Two of these places were the Amalfi Coast in Southern Italy and the Cinque Terra, in Northern Italy, pictured above. I took this photo in June 2010 as well as the one below.

Sadly, devastating rain and floods last week in Liguria and the Cinque Terra (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) have crushed several towns including Monterosso and Vernazza, two of the five villages in the Cinque Terra. Other areas in the region have also been seriously affected. I have fond memories of a lifetime of our vacations in Monterosso and the family we have there. I cannot imagine how different it must be now.

If you can, please donate to the Italian Red Cross, selecting the Emergency in Tuscany and Liguria. It will help a deserving region and it’s people recover.

Kate Little,

my son’s cousin, who has lived in the area for 22 years, can keep you informed at her blog Little Paradiso on the recovery and spirit of the people in this magical region of Italy. Til next time say a blessing for those who have lost their businesses, homes and loved ones,
Be well,
Laura

One area of my practice includes writing home studies for parent’s adopting a child. This child can be an identified child such as a relative or stepchild or, a family hoping to be matched with a birth mother who is placing her unborn baby up for adoption. I even do international reports for families adopting overseas. A portion of my practice is devoted to second parent adoptions in families with two mom’s or two dad’s to help protect the legal rights of their children.

This work takes me all over the state including Houston and Dallas and sometimes other parts of Texas. I have my Dallas routine down! I wake up on a Saturday at the crack of dawn, head to ABIA, get on the cattle call at SW airlines, pick up my rental car at Love Field and drive to the home visit. I meet with my families for their visit and then head back home the same day. Whew! Fun, but tiring I must say.

One of the joys of this work is seeing couples who cannot conceive a child after years of trying, become matched with a birth mother and baby. I worked with them as they came to accept the fact they could not conceive their own child and then when they have the newborn or child they always wanted. There is really no better experience than this in all that I do. I always tell my adoptive families with whom I work “Your child will find you. They always do!”

Be well,
Laura

Recently I came across a book written by Art and Allison Daily, Out of the Canyon. Allison Daily is the co-director of Pathfinder Valley Angels, a non-profit organization the serves Aspen-area cancer patients. She is also the bereavement counselor at Aspen Valley Hospital. Both of us happened to have grown up in the same small community in Austin at a time when everyone knew each other, and as a kid you could ride your bike on Bee Caves Road. Imagine that!

Allison’s husband, Art Dailey, lost his first wife and two young boys, in a tragic accident. While driving home with his family from a youth hockey game, they were hit by a boulder that fell from a canyon wall, leaving Art untouched. Prior to meeting Art, Allison lost a brother to suicide and I remember attending his funeral at the Presbyterian Church I grew up in.

The book is the story of that loss, Art’s tragic accident, how Allison and Art met, married and their personal journey of recovery. Ghost Town Ventures of Los Angles has purchased the movie rights. They have two young boys ages 12 and 11 and both went on to live full and rewarding lives. It’s always inspiring for me to find stories of tragedy and difficulty where hope and love win. Something, I always want to hear more about.
Be Well and Stay Cool,
Laura