What do you wish you knew back then?

So, I have an acquaintance who is interested in adopting an older, waiting child. I have known her superficially for years, but I do not know her well, and she came to me asking questions, and I thought I would pose it to you guys: If you could go back, and talk to yourself at the start of your adoption journey, what do you wish you knew? I am interested in ALL answers, good, bad, ugly, whatever. I already told her my answer, and I am curious about yours.