Day 5 of Thanks: Kim Zoellick

Some of you know and some of you don’t know…I am estranged from my adopted family. I used to get upset when people would ask me about my family because I was a little ashamed and embarrassed that I didn’t really have a relationship with them.

I was talking to Kim one day and she told me something that stuck with me. She mentioned that she struggled with a relationship with someone. She said that she got some advice that it is okay to break off the relationships that are not healthy for you or bringing you happiness…that you aren’t a bad person for doing that.

I always thought I was a terrible person for not continuing to try to keep and build those relationships despite the struggles. I tried to tell myself that it was okay but hearing it from Kim really helped me move on.

I still will get sad every now and then, I am only human, but it is almost freeing to tell people that I am not close to my family. I don’t feel like I’m hiding any more. I also have grown a support system through Dave, his family family and my friends that I’m so thankful for. I’ve become the determined person that I am because of the obstacles I’ve faced and overcome.

So, thank you Kim, for telling me the advice you had gotten!