Men have run my life forever.
I was the only girl stuck between two brothers.
One of their favorite games was to chase me around the backyard trying to throw worms or other slimy creatures on me. Or, when we were alone at the dinner table they would steal my food or make me give it to them by making disgusting comments about the food. Use your imagination on that one!
When I married and became pregnant, I yearned for at least one daughter. That was not to be as I gave birth three years apart to rambunctious boys.
To say my world was male dominated was an understatement. Belching contests, going as fast as possible on trikes, bikes, motorcycles, boats…eating everything in sight…such was the life with boys.
I learned that if I wanted to be a part of their lives, I would have to get on board with their “manly” activities although I drew the line at belching contests. I learned to ride a mountain bike, drive our boat, set up the tent on camping trips. I wasn’t great at these but I did them. Those were wonderful years that passed way too soon.
Living with an empty nest, I decided to host a foreign student.
Pamela, a Korean college student came to live with me. It was a wonderful experience.
Pamela was wonderful and fun. We talked about everything including dating, schools, the future, her life in Korea and more. I learned many things from her.
We both cried when she returned to Korea.
We keep in touch through FaceTime, Facebook and emails.
There is a chance that she will return to the US for graduate school. Perhaps I will go to Korea.
Regardless, she has a place in my heart. My sweet daughter.
Lori Greer in Portland 
How beautiful!
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How sweet!!
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Wonderful, age doesn’t matter if love is there. Hope you pull off the trip to Korea to see your daughter again love can move mountains xoxo
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Lori, I am so touched. You finally got your daughter. Enjoy her as I know you do. I hope you both get to see eachother soon. x
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That’s just beautiful. We have friends that have been taking in foreign students for about 10 years now. Every time we go for dinner we meet someone new, sometimes they’re from Japan, sometimes from Korea. It’s a wonderful way for them to assimilate and our friends love the experience of being a host family.
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Followed you as I can only imagine what it’s like to have all boys, I have one boy and it’s been a crazy ride so far.
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How sweet a story – the families we are given, the ones we build, all filled with love and memories.
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You seem to be so fond of your daughter. How long she stayed with you?
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I think you earned the all things girly time, even if it was brief it will last a lifetime.
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nice post
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What a wonderful post! I also have two sons, both grown up now, and along with my husband, all three of them were (and still are!) sport mad! Even our last dog was male…Sometimes, I thought how lovely it would be to have a daughter with whom I could do ‘girly’ things. Luckily, I have three nieces whom I borrow from time to time. People used to say to me: ‘Don’t you wish you had a girl?’ Having suffered six miscarriages before the birth of my second son, I used to say that I was just very happy to have a healthy son!’ I love the idea of hosting a foreign exchange student .
http://www.fancyingfrance.wordpress.com
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Sweet!
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That’s fantastic! You finally got your girl! I have all boys too. 😊
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That is so great! Glad you got your girl time, it’s important.
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Very nice!
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I’m surrounded by males, too…though I wasn’t growing up, so it’s been a switch in my adulthood. Sometimes I wish for more female companionship, too. It’s wonderful that God connected you and Pamela.
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A very sweet and tender story. I have two sons and they have given me two granddaughters..a bit of balance now. My darling mutt is female and definitely shows girl power. Love your writing Lori.
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Oh how lovely! Do you follow Little Miss Menopause? She has a similar story. She actually did adopt an Asian daughter after having 3 sons. She talks about that occasionally but is also very witty and funny. Anyway, here’s a link if you’re interested.
onceuponyourprime.com
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Thanks for the link. I don’t know that blog but will check it out. Hope your day is going well. Happy Tuesday.
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Thanks Lori!
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Marissa…. This very nice blogger greeted me from Oregon the other day and I briefly wondered where she found me? Today I noticed several posts liked by her (thank you Lori!) and I followed the breadcrumbs back to peruse her blog. Came upon this post and was just about to comment, “Hey! I always wanted a girl and finally had enough of “fate” and adopted a Korean born daughter!” Low and behold I see you essentially commenter just that! Thank you so much for referencing me in such a complimentary way and Lori, great to be here!! Following.
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Of course Stephanie! Do I not owe you a thousand thanks as it is?
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Hey, Lori! I want to go to Korea, too. I love their language and history. And their boys are handsome 😉
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I love this post. I certainly understand Lori. I have a daughter – she is my eldest she is and always was kind of feminine ‘buffer’ between the 2 sons, David and his very male focussed father . Today I’m so grateful for her and her daughter. I love the boys dearly I now have two grandsons but there is a place for the quiet feminine spaces. Your Korean daughter – may she always bring that ray of light into you life.
An enjoyable read.
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Such a lovely, thoughtful response. It was nice to learn a bit about your family.
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How sweet!! This was a lovely read!
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Hi, I am glad that you liked it. Thank you for commenting.
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I too have a Korean “kid” in my tree. I’m always impressed by her sweet strength. Thank heavens for Fb and Facetime, eh? Good post, Lori.
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She is so cute and tiny that it was like having a doll in the house. Yes, FB and FaceTime are great. To think that these are relatively new comers.
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I’ve found that if the stars are in our favor, our boys bring home absolutely wonderful ‘daughters.’ May you be so blessed!
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I have thought about accepting a transfer student into our home from Korea. I am fascinated by Koreans. Probably because I love Kpop and Kdramas.
With three daughters a grandaughter and only one son -I have had my fill of girls. I love my grandsons -they are so much fun, and full of energy. I really would like to adopt a boy but my husband says we are done. Really, I am just to old anyhow. But, I’d still like a little boy running around the house buggin the girls (15) on a regular basis. The grandkids just aren’t here often enough.
fiddledeedeebooks.wordpress.com
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My Korean student had some male friends who were also students. They were fun to have around. Little boys are such fun…so much energy and cuteness!
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yes -but they can scare you to death too. Boys are another world.
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What a wonderful experience for both of you!!
I love my 2 sons dearly, but a daughter would have been the icing on the cake. I’m lucky that I get my *girl* fix through my nieces who I love like daughters 🙂
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Oh, I can so identify with this. Particularly the tears on parting. Such a wonderful bond you’ve created!
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Love this! How wonderful to have such a special friendship 👭
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So lovely! Have also hosted students from other countries and when it works out well, it is a real joy.
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Beautiful! It is always a great gift to find love with one that understands our person =)
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Sweet and so kind… Soon to be empty nester myself😢
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