'You don't have to settle': 7 uplifting stories from 2017 that will make you bawl
This year, we came across a lot of uplifting and inspirational stories – stories we were delighted to be able to share with you, our MagicMum readers.
From adoption to love, incredible children and sibling love, this year proved that despite all the bad news that clogs our newsfeed, there are plenty of stories out there that will make you smile, laugh and feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
These are our top seven from 2017:
1. You don't have to settle'; one mum on why single parents need the best
Kristina Kuzmic, also know as The Truth Bomb Mom, shared her story of dating as a single mother. A divorcee with two small children, Kristina admitted that she struggled with insecurities when re-entering the dating world. And when she did find herself beginning to have feelings for another man, she was hesitant to fall completely in love. Understanding just how hard it can be for single parents, the mum shared a incredibly inspiring and honest post urging people not to settle.
Read the full story here.
2. Baby Ephraim’s adoption story is full of hope, disappointment and love – and it's truly beautiful
In 2011, Chantel and her husband decided to adopt a baby but they didn't realise just how long and emotional the process would be.
The couple were accepted by their first agency in November, one month after they started their adoption process. Sadly, this fell through, as did their second and third try. However, two years after they first started the process, Chantel and her husband travelled to South Africa to welcome Ephraim into their life. A wonderful story full of love and hope.
Read the full story here.
3. Birth mum's letter to her daughter's family is heartbreaking but beautiful… we're in tears
Erin Miller is a mum-of-two who adopted her second baby, a girl, from another mum-of-two, Amber. Their emotional story was captured on camera and made into a short-story – The Gift – about the love which bonded two families through adoption. The video epitomises the happiness, laughter, love and the sadness which accompanies such a decision, and the beautiful bonding of two families which will last a lifetime.
Read the full article here.
4. 12-year-old girl helps deliver her baby brother, and the moment is captured on camera
12-year-old Jacee Dellapenna was present in the delivery room for the arrival of her baby brother. But she wasn’t just standing around waiting… No, the young girl was on hand to help bring her baby brother into the world, and her parents, Dede and Zack Carraway, managed to capture the raw moments on camera – and the look on their daughter’s face is precious.
Read the full story here.
5. Couple surprise family by flying home to visit… but they have a bigger shock in tow
Leah and Mike lived in Shanghai, China for three years and decided to surprise their family with a homecoming. However, it was an extra special homecoming because it also signalled the start of their move back home to America – something they only told their family when they knocked on the door. However, that wasn't the only surprise that the couple had in store – they also announced that they were expecting their first child!
Read the full article here.
6. Amazing video of brothers shows how limb difference DOESN'T matter
Katie Whiddon's son Camden suffers from Phocomelia syndrome and Amelia, meaning his arms end where his elbows would begin, and he has no legs. But his limb difference has never stopped him from taking part in family life. In an effort to raise awareness for children with limb difference, the mum-of-three uploaded a video of Camden and his baby brother, Jax – and it is the cutest video EVER!
Read the full story here.
7. Father and son achieve milestone they had never thought was possible
Six-year-old Drew King suffers with Cystic Fibrosis and Cerebral Palsy, mainly being able to express himself through smiling and laughing. And he had no problem in doing so after an eventful day at his local baseball field. Drew’s dad James is an avid baseball lover, helping to coach the local team in Ohio alongside Jeremy Tolbert. And on a recent trip to a baseball game, Jeremy called number 33, Drew King, onto the field alongside his dad to hit a home run, and it is the most magical moment we have ever seen.
Read the full story here.