Heart I have been blessed with a large, loving, close-knit family and many very dear friends. I am so grateful. In addition to my father, two brothers and their families – all in California – I have nine wonderful first cousins and their families; all of whom are friends and also live in the Bay Area. Not only do we all get together on special holidays, but we get together socially as well.  It is quite special to have brothers and cousins who are both friends and relatives. I appreciate this tremendously. My mother is no longer with us, but she certainly continues to watch over me and I know she is very pleased that I will be creating a family through open adoption.  She will be “Grandmother in spirit” and her love will be felt by my new child.  I also have dear friends in California and across the country who I remain in contact with and visit on a regular basis. They, too, look forward to my new child. Together, my family and friends are an important source of support and love to me and for my future family.