When Acquaintances Become Family

The Ellers

Left to Right: Dianne Eller, Me, Gene Eller

I met Gene and Dianne Eller around the year 1984 in Nebraska. While I don’t really remember meeting them then, they were acquaintances of my adoptive parents. But then in 1990 when life was such a struggle for me, they came to my aid and became my legal guardians at the time when my adoptive parents refused to continue to raise me.

I was able to join their family and feel the love, support, acceptance, a sense of belonging, and encouragement that a family is supposed to feel like. I consider them my family as they have been by my side since then through thick and thin. And by the way, I have lots of “extended family”. You know who you are!

This past weekend, Gene and Dianne came to spend a couple of days with me. I was able to share what I have been up to, especially around my adoption journey. I shared photos, showed them my adoption file, reminisced, and learned new things about my past that are helping me to heal.

They have a beautiful family, and I am grateful to be a part of it!

The Eller Family