As I was trying to come up with a Fourth of July blog, I was reminded that I have a friend whose birthday is July 4. We will be celebrating with her again this year. Marsha is a neat lady and I like her alot. She is one of the most loving and warm moms that I know. Her two children are two really bright, talented and all around great kids. We've spent a few weekends with Marsha, her husband and children at the beach the past few summers and always have a fantastic time.

We stay at a small house right on the boardwalk of a local beach. The location is unbeatable. if we want to lay in the sand or dip our toes in the ocean, the beach is right there on the other side of the bike path. All of us bring our bikes too, and when we aren't at the beach, we women are zipping into the local town for shopping and chocolate urges.

Last summer Marsha and I took a walk on the beach by ourselves once. It was one of the first times we had talked alone, and she shared with me tales of her family life growing up. She frankly related to me how growing up in such a dysfunctional family has affected her as a adult and caused so much insecurity and issues of self worth. Marsha is a beautiful woman, physically and spiritually, and I was surprised to hear about her difficult family dynamics. She's triumphed over alot to become the wonderful mom she is today and I admire her for all that she has overcome.

I won't go into specifics, but, her parents were less than ideal parents. Quite frankly, they were very messed up, and it is amazing that she is as sane as she is today. Since we were alone, and having a frank discussion, my connection to adoption came up and Marsha mentioned that her brother was adopted. She told me if he ever mentions wanting to find his birth family, she will let him know that maybe I can help him. I won't hold my breathe - his life growing up may have made him pretty bitter, and he may be fairly angry at the family that relinquished him.

To Be Continued.......................................