I have not been home in three years.

Too long.

Way too long.

I brought Darragh home for the first time the last time I was here.

We got engaged. I got pregnant.

I had it all.

Then I lost my job. Then I lost Ella, then Little Star.

Then I lost myself.

Grief I thought I could never let go of.

Grief I still feel today. Just differently.

I did not think I could but…

What I held on to was hope.

What I held on to was family.

Ultimately, what I held on to was love. Here and beyond.

Then, we got married. Then we got pregnant again.

Liv. Our Liv.

At almost 10 months, she has now visited all of her homes.

Philippines hits differently for me, though.

It has been three years.

I have come full circle, and like throwing a pebble into the water,

I have faith

Our story will create a wave of hope.