January 23, 2012

I would like to share a recent experience that has reconfirmed my belief that The Universe works in mysterious ways. Ways which often baffle and frustrate us, but ultimately create situations which force us to take a closer look at why things happen and what we are supposed to learn from a specific event.

Several months ago I was hired to produce an awareness video for Children's Harbor Foster Care agency located in South Florida. The project was exciting because not only have I worked with several of the key members of the Children's Harbor team in the past but also because I believe in what the agency does. It provides a safe, nurturing and loving home to foster children, inlcuding pregnant or parenting teen mothers, who otherwise might not have a place to call home. And, this was my first video production project under my new company, Julia Yarbough Media Group, LLC.

So my photographer and I spent hours working with the children that were highlighted in the video. We then produced what I like to think is a top-of-the-line video project which gives the viewer a true feel for why Children's Harbor is so special. I focused primarily on five children: two different sibling groups comprised of three sisters and another of two brothers. They were all bright, affectionate, caring, well-mannered and just amazingly mature and level-headed for their ages. I should mention I am single. No children. Have never had any desire to have my own. I've been dating a man who has a son and that entire experience has left me feeling like I live on an alien planet. Simply put, I am a stranger to the world of children.

But something about the kids at Children's Harbor tugged at my heart. They were just such good kids and had already been through so much in their short, innocent lives. So I was hopeful that my production would help Children's Harbor tell their story. Motivate others to help. Maybe even motivate a caring and loving couple to want to adopt.

Roll the clock forward to just a few weeks ago. I had joined the man I've been dating for dinner, choosing a restaurant we NEVER go to. It's nowhere near our homes. But for some reason that night we chose this location. As we waited for our table to open up, I spotted a group of young girls clapping hands and tapping their feet in a way that only young girls can dance and clap and move their feet. Upon closer inspection I realized one of the girls was the beautiful young child featured in my video! Could it be, I thought? No - she doesn't live anywhere near this location! But sure enough, when I walked over to investigate, it was the same bright, mature little girl I had met several months earlier. AND she was with her two sisters! I happily located the adult female with them and quickly discovered this woman - a true ANGEL FROM ABOVE - had adopted the girls!! ALL THREE OF THEM! I exchanged hugs with the girls, their new mom, and a few tears were shed. It was like something out of a sappy Hollywood movie, but I loved every minute of it.

Why am I sharing this story? Because I have to believe that for some reason, The Universe put those girls in my path. Not just once, but twice! I'm not quite sure what the reason is yet, but I suspect it is a message telling me to continue finding positive, community changing stories to tell and share. I had a brief thought that perhaps I was supposed to research adoption and/or become a foster parent. Then I quickly came to my senses, and realized it must be the first reason. IT MUST BE, RIGHT???

Julia@juliayarboughmediagroup.com