Becoming Us: Ah ha!

Have you ever heard my theory of cat kids and dog kids? I developed it quite a few years ago when my nieces were young. It has nothing to do with whether you like cats or dogs, by the way.

Niece 1: easy going, eager to please, followed directions. DOG.

Niece 2: liked to do things in her time, in her way, pleasing you is not a priority. CAT.

Sure, it's simplistic and not all that descriptive, but it's served me well over the years.

So, we travel more than 2600 miles to meet our sweet angel. Our sweet angel? Uh...

Often Merwyn and talk about Joel's challenging personality. Oh, you may not have seen it (unless you camp with us- then you may have glimpsed it). He's tough. He's a cat-kid.

So Merwyn, lo these 10 or more years, has had to live with 2 more difficult personalities. 2 Cat people. He, a dog of your most loyal, gentle kind.

So back to our sweet angel. Guess what...she's a cat too. Maybe more cat than Joel. Or me.

We wondered, in our lengthy meeting with the psychologist, why this wasn't mentioned. She talked about how sweet Karen is, along with a quick note that when she's upset, she goes off by herself but then comes back. This DOES describe her, but missing the true intensity.

But, insight came this morning! (You know I love it when things make sense!)

There are two new women here at the hotel. They each have a baby and have previously adopted from Colombia. Back at home, they each have older children adopted from Colombia.

We were chatting, getting to know each other. I mentioned that Karen appears to be a *bit* strong-willed, and these lovely ladies nodded. And looked at each other. Then one said,

"That's the fire".

So, Colombian people have a fiery personality, apparently. Ah! The pieces falling together now. Of course the psychologist didn't mention it. It's typical to her!

One evening, a week or so ago, Merwyn mentioned that he was hoping for someone a little easier. You know, more like him.

SO WAS I!

On the positive side though...we have experience!