How is it 2022 and how is Josie Biehl 14 1/2 years old?

My last post was four years ago and I find that, like many things in life, time heals many wounds.  Josie and our family have grown so much...and perspective is key.  We still all have our individual battles to overcome...but life is a process, isn't it?  We're all growing and learning every day...doing the best we can to be the best people we can be...

Our bonds have grown and Josie's ability to attach to those people who are important to her has as well. Family, friends, teachers, coaches...all the folks we hoped would help shape her and have positive impacts on her have been incredible over the past several years.  Our family owes our "Village" a huge thanks for this.  Baseball teams, soccer teams, basketball teams, Pacific Rim Elementary, Community Montessori of Carlsbad, Sage Creek High...and all the people associated with those groups who have helped shape who Josie is becoming...we are grateful.

We find ourselves with Jack and Tucker in college now (WT?!?).  Max is a sophomore and Josie is a freshman in high school.  Jack is studying technical theatre while working at Legoland (his dream them park), Tuck is following his dream of playing baseball in college, Max is playing high school baseball and surfing up a storm...and Josie is playing for Surf Soccer ECNL and hopes to play basketball and soccer for Sage Creek High as well.  She just ran for Freshman Class President, we're just awaiting the outcome.

Part of the message of our story is never give up on your kids AND never compromise your character, morals, house rules and heart just because things get tough.  Raising kids is HARD!  Keeping a consistent message and providing the foundations of being a good person is so important.  We're trying and it's incredible to see glimmers of success as our kids become adults...

As I write this I need to share that we know many adopted children whose stories are very sad.  We are very fortunate that we are where we are with Josie and our family.  Sometimes the wounds and issues that adopted kids carry with them are just too much to overcome.  Even with the best of people and kindest of families, some kids become victims of their situation. Our hearts go out to those families and those children...