She Looks Like Me

When I was 5 years old, I got on a plane and flew half way around the world with my parents to get my new brother and sister. Even as a little girl, I remember the anticipation and overwhelming excitement that I felt as their foster mothers brought them into the room and I was able to meet them for the first time. My parents had talked at length with me about what it would mean to have siblings from another country. They would have dark skin and hair and eyes--they would not look like me, but I would love them just the same. That did not stop them from being the baby brother and sister that I had asked God for every night at bedtime. They were mine and I loved them from the moment I saw them!

I still remember the time my basketball teammate said to me “That must be your sister over there, she looks just like you.” I was shocked at this statement and proceeded to tell her that my sister was adopted. I have since learned to embrace this statement and take it as the highest compliment. It is a sweet reminder that God built my family. Nicole was always meant to be my sister. Even if she did not look like me, she would be my sister just the same. God did not have to make her look like me; but He did. And it makes my heart smile every time someone tells me that my sweet little sister looks like me!

Mallory Blackmon, LGSW
South Alabama Case Worker